• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Thorens TD 145C vs Technics Sl-1600?

Isaac C.

Isaac C.

Cat Hoarder
I have the opportunity to purchase either for under $300, which is the better buy? The Technics has a new Grado Black cartridge and the Thorens has a cartridge, stylus, and original papers. Not sure if it's the Mk1 or Mk2, but I know the spec sheet listed wow and flutter at .03 and rumble of 55db. Either would be an upgrade from what I have now. Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance!
 
Register to hide this ad
grillebilly said:
The Thorens is a good buy, the Technics would be also if it was a MK II.
I'm partial to the Thorens myself.
Click to expand...
Sorry for the confusion, I was referring to the Thorens being a Mk1 or 2. It was a Thorens 145c, Im not familiar with Thorens, but did they have a Mk1 or Mk2 with the "C" version? Also how does the 145c compare with other models? I'm looking for a turntable that is quieter than my Dual as far as mechanical noise, is the Thorens a quiet unit?
 
Not sure about a MK II Thorens. Never heard of one. I know they are good tables and have a large following. Yes, quiet. The only mechanical noise will be from the switches being turned for the on/off and tone arm lift. You will be impressed.
If it is too delicate for your tastes the resale market will be strong enough you won't lose any money.
I would check it out.
 
grillebilly said:
Not sure about a MK II Thorens. Never heard of one. I know they are good tables and have a large following. Yes, quiet. The only mechanical noise will be from the switches being turned for the on/off and tone arm lift. You will be impressed.
If it is too delicate for your tastes the resale market will be strong enough you won't lose any money.
I would check it out.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your help! I'm actually out of town and spotted it at a record shop, I leave tomorrow, but might call before I leave and if it is available, I might go get it. A family friend has the Technics if I decide otherwise.
 
These are both good tables, one belt drive and one direct drive. Either would could be the start of a nice playback system. 1600 is full auto, 145c does something at the end of the record instead of playing the inner groove over and over, so convenience of end of play is covered by both.
 
The Thorens 145 is , my opinion, far superior in terms of construction, to that model Technics.

If you compare the main bearing, spindle, and platter milling you would see the difference right away.

The heart of a TT is the main bearing and spindle....

At $300 grab the Thorens ....my choice.
 
Tucker99 said:
The Thorens 145 is , my opinion, far superior in terms of construction, to that model Technics.

If you compare the main bearing, spindle, and platter milling you would see the difference right away.

The heart of a TT is the main bearing and spindle....

At $300 grab the Thorens ....my choice.
Click to expand...
I got it for $240, Ortofon cartridge, original dust cover, and manuals. I'll take a closer look at the cartridge model later. Very nice shape overall.

Edit: It has a Ortofon VMS 5E MKII.
 
Last edited:
How is the Ortofon VMS 5E MKII anyway? It should be fine for right now, I need to sell some of my "cheaper" gear before I upgrade the cartridge.
 
This is pretty much a classic case of apples vs oranges - A European, suspended platter belt drive table versus a Japanese, direct-drive table.

Between these two, I'd opt for the Thorens. Mainly because I'm biased towards manual/semi-auto tables versus fully auto, but I also just think the Thorens 145/160/165/etc. family of tables simply sound stellar.

FWIW, I have a TD-160, and a Pioneer PL-550 (very nice manual DD table).
 
Taketheflame said:
This is pretty much a classic case of apples vs oranges -
Click to expand...

My strongly voiced opinion above did not mention that fact. Taketheflame is quite correct that its a hard comparison given the number of substantial differences. That acknowledged, Issac C., you made the right choice. Message me re cartridges as I have had the TD145 and TD 160 and presently have two TD 150, two TD 125 and one TD 126 Mk II...and I have tried plenty of carts on them! I also have lots of spare TP60 headshells assuming your TT hase the TP16 tonearm and not the one with the arm wand rather than a headshell.

Some advice I gave another AKer...might be helpful to you..."Thorens headshells use a special bolt size and the bolts must be the correct length for the cartridge as the bolts do not go all the way through as is the case with the normal sme style headshells. Ordering headshell screws/bolts....Go to Ebay and search with Thorens headshell screws. Just choose the style that you like and select the one that seems best deal, i.e. price and delivery time etc. Personally I like the style with the Allen (hexagon) bolt head as I find them easier to use than those with standard flat/slot head screw type. I've never tried the nylon ones so can't comment the quality etc on those."

All the best with your first Thorens !!
 
Congrats, I think you got a great deal!!
I have a AT440MLa on my 146 and really like it. Liked it enough I got an AT440MLb for my main manual table, a Sansui SR838. They are discontinued but there are still some b's around. I have heard good things about the model that replaced it, model # escapes me now.
 
One thing about these tables is the Thorens is subject to footfalls much moreso than the Technics. but mounting the table on the wall cures that problem until we start dancing on the walls.

The VMS cartridge is very good. Maybe look to get the proper stylus to upgrade to the level the Thorens should have but with an eye on the compliance. The VMS 20 needs a light weight tonearm. A discussion will get more info on this. There is nothing new less than $279.68 that sounds better than a nice VMS with a good stylus. The 5 is a lower model but should be a good one in nice shape.

https://www.ortofon.com/vms-cartridges-p-614

We put a new stylus VMS 20 on a friend's Mayware Formula IV arm (4 gram effective mass). The 10 might be good enough or the 30 but is gets spendy.
 
Blue Shadow said:
One thing about these tables is the Thorens is subject to footfalls much moreso than the Technics. but mounting the table on the wall cures that problem until we start dancing on the walls.

The VMS cartridge is very good. Maybe look to get the proper stylus to upgrade to the level the Thorens should have but with an eye on the compliance. The VMS 20 needs a light weight tonearm. A discussion will get more info on this. There is nothing new less than $279.68 that sounds better than a nice VMS with a good stylus. The 5 is a lower model but should be a good one in nice shape.

https://www.ortofon.com/vms-cartridges-p-614

We put a new stylus VMS 20 on a friend's Mayware Formula IV arm (4 gram effective mass). The 10 might be good enough or the 30 but is gets spendy.
Click to expand...
I have the Thorens on a Credenza against the wall, no joke I was stomping and jumping and it did not skip or pickup any noise while playing a record. In comparison, I could just flick the furniture with my finger and the Dual would pick it up.

I think I saw on one post someone said that the various VMS styli were interchangeable with the different VMS cartridges, is that true?
 
Not at all sure that I agree about the build quality of the Thorens versus the Technics. I spent a couple of decades disdaining direct drives, but having picked up a 1600 at a tag sale, I was surprised at how strikingly good it sounded - stable, controlled, and authoritative. And if memory serves, it has a sprung suspension which is remarkably effective despite appearing to have almost no room for movement.
It is certainly true that the direct drive and the automatic functions are much more complex than the motor and belt of the Thorens and over time, the caps may cause trouble, as may the parts of the auto mechanism. Against that, of course, there is the convenience of auto return, the surprisingly good resistance to vibration, and the simplicity of standard SME/Japanese headshells. I suspect that the Technics arm's mass may match the moderate compliances of most cartridges better than the lower mass of the Thorens.
 
The Thorens is a manual table and the 1600 is automatic, so that is a key point for personal preference. Looks like you got a nice deal on the Thorens, those were two good choices.
 
I have a Thorens TD-160 & Technics SL-1650. The Thorens is more musical. The Technics SL-1600 & SL-1650 are built like tanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom