Thorens headshell adaptor

[burmashave]

what do you guys think of this as a way to use a standard headshell on a TD 160?


https://www.ebay.com/itm/HEADSHELL-...057974?hash=item3acc8f7976:g:1hoAAOSwCGVX2ZyG

 

[Montycat]

 

[lini]

I see 3 1/2 problems: For one thing, the TP11 and TP16 are straight radial-tracking arms and would hence require angled headshells - so standard SME/Technics-style headshells wouldn't work anyway, and one would rather need an angled variant as used for example on the Denon DP-300F. And then the next questions would be: Where would the mounting holes/slots be with such a headshell plus that adaptor compared to the original headshell and how heavy would such a heashell/adaptor combination be compared to the original headshell? Or respectively: Would such a headshell/adaptor combination still allow for a decent alignment geometry and what impact would it have on the balance ranges with the original counterweights?

And then, as far as I remember, those special, angled headshells weren't exactly cheap the last time I looked...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[Montycat]

If I'm understanding that picture, it's not a headshell adaptor; it's part of a headshell. You build your own headshell with it.

 

[burmashave]

View attachment 1040084

something is wrong with Mandy's eyes

 

[malden]

If I'm understanding that picture, it's not a headshell adaptor; it's part of a headshell. You build your own headshell with it.

That's what it looks like to me as well. It does open up some possibilities though...

 

[lini]

If I'm understanding that picture, it's not a headshell adaptor; it's part of a headshell. You build your own headshell with it.

Well, as far as I understood it, it's basically meant to be a "replacement adaptor" for such SME/Technics-style headshells, on which the original connector block can be removed and replaced by this replacement connector block.

For example, iirc, there were several headshell models from AT, on which the actual headshell basically was clamped onto the connector clock and fixed by tightening via screw (usually to allow for azimuth adjustment) - so on such a design one could insert a different connector block instead.

So, imo, what's mainly missing in the product description is a list of suitable/compatible headshell types for such a connector block swap for each of the Thorens arms the vendor has listed. Without that information that replacement adaptor connector block indeed rather has to be regarded as a part one could use for a DIY solution.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[totem]

Looking at this again [picture] it seems as lini posted a replacement for the Thorens and not a standard
headshell connector.

 

[Montycat]

Right. That would make sense. It would still be a Frankenshell, using something like this Sony for example:

Sony Headshell by Buhduh, on Flickr

 

[lini]

Just noticed that I forgot to mention another possible problem/point to consider: cart height range (compared to the original headshells).

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[tnsilver]

It's a standard Thorens HS connector. I know this guy Simon and I have purchased some Thorens accessories from him before, it's all tip top, first class stuff, but I really don't get this one. If you got a Thorens headshell, then you got one of these anyway. What is it for?

 

[malden]

I think the answer to the OP's question is simply no. It does not allow a standard headshell to be used on the Thorens TD 160...

 

[malden]

It's a standard Thorens HS connector. I know this guy Simon and I have purchased some Thorens accessories from him before, it's all tip top, first class stuff, but I really don't get this one. If you got a Thorens headshell, then you got one of these anyway. What is it for?

I think it allows you to build your own custom cartridge holder (headshell) for a Thorens turntable that uses that type of connector.

 

[Montycat]

I think it allows you to build your own custom cartridge holder (headshell) for a Thorens turntable that uses that type of connector.

Exactly. Making one with the Sony above wouldn't be ideal perhaps as it's kind of heavy. However if you wanted to make one from hardwood, for example, it would make that possible.

 

[miles12]

for instance you can fit a thorens headshell :the tp68!

 

[malden]

from the sellers auction listings...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEADSH...958976?hash=item3d296c27c0:g:aUkAAOSwHsRYDOir

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEADSH...595201?hash=item3acca6ee41:g:wdQAAOSwNgdZmYSp

 

[miles12]

a little expensive is it not?

 

[malden]

looks to me like quality stuff as well...

It's a standard Thorens HS connector. I know this guy Simon and I have purchased some Thorens accessories from him before, it's all tip top, first class stuff, but I really don't get this one. If you got a Thorens headshell, then you got one of these anyway. What is it for?

 

[malden]

From the same seller, this one is cute, but as someone who has used bubble levels of various types for the past 30 + years, I wouldn't put too much faith in it...

 

[tnsilver]

I kinda like the stock TP-60 look. I've been hoarding them for years. They sell for crazy money now but I'm keeping mine. You guys know it's all Magnesium? Quite amazing for late 60's, I'd say.

BTW: I mod'ed one before, dremel tooled the top grid pattern off. Bit's an pieces of it caught fire on the disk and lit up bright white like fireworks.