Thorens TD 160 (spindle size and 45rpm speed problem)

[bluenote79]

Hi guys,

I have recently purchased a really nice TD 160 turntable. I've got it all set up and am super happy with it, except for 2 issues.

1. The spindle is really, really tight on some records. Not all of them, and it doesn't seem to care what decade the records were produced in. Some new records fit perfectly and some from the 60s fit perfectly. Some new records don't and some old records don't. It's the weirdest and most annoying thing. I've never had this problem before.

2. When playing a record at 45 RPM the speed is way off. All good at 33. In the past, the tables I've owned had a knob where I could adjust the speed manually, and a light in order to tell when it's spot on.

Any input on what to do about either of these problems is greatly appreciated.

 

[ddarch]

Grab a green scrub pad and clean the years of oxidation off the spindle. This will help some. For the rest, keep some 150 grit sandpaper near the table...roll a 3" x 1" length up like a pencil. When you get another lp that is too tight, insert the "pencil" into the center hole and gently turn with only the outward pressure of the roll working on it...no additional pressure needed.

Regarding the belt, most likely it's not going all the way up the pulley...you can invert the heavy outer platter and crouch down and take a look. I would start with a genuine Thorens logo (or Thakker) belt...before making any adjustments.

D

 

[mkane]

New belt or, talc what you have. Pointy exacto swirled around the hole gently once will fix a tight hole.

 

[kermit z]

What have you done to bring the table up to speed? Belt, lube? Not a lot to look at on this table, but important enough to do before getting worried.

 

[milanomike]

My TD 145 has the same spindle issue, some records are tight, others are not. I'm just living with it for the time being, otherwise functions well.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi guys,

I have recently purchased a really nice TD 160 turntable. I've got it all set up and am super happy with it, except for 2 issues.

1. The spindle is really, really tight on some records. Not all of them, and it doesn't seem to care what decade the records were produced in. Some new records fit perfectly and some from the 60s fit perfectly. Some new records don't and some old records don't. It's the weirdest and most annoying thing. I've never had this problem before.

2. When playing a record at 45 RPM the speed is way off. All good at 33. In the past, the tables I've owned had a knob where I could adjust the speed manually, and a light in order to tell when it's spot on.

Any input on what to do about either of these problems is greatly appreciated.

The spindle meets the NAB specifications/standards. Your records have too small holes. RE; 45 RPM, you probably need a new Genuine Thorens or Thakker belt to get both speeds correct. Also, make sure the lever which shifts the belt has the belt inside it. The TD 160 uses a synchronous motor, locked to AC line frequency.

 

[gadget73]

Usually its slight plastic burrs in the record. I keep a pencil sitting by my 160, and use it to iron out the holes in records when they don't fit. Usually only takes a moment and then it fits without trouble.

+1 on checking the belt. Generics don't work well, but usually the speed is only off by a small amount. If its grossly off, its probably not moving up to the 45 step. Wrong width can make that happen. Flip the outer platter over and have a look at what its doing. You should be able to determine if the belt is doing what it should be. If its dragging on the C shaped shifter lever you'll know it pretty quick.

 

[Montycat]

Thorens spindles are tight because they are accurate. Most other spindles are smaller.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Usually its slight plastic burrs in the record. I keep a pencil sitting by my 160, and use it to iron out the holes in records when they don't fit. Usually only takes a moment and then it fits without trouble.

+1 on checking the belt. Generics don't work well, but usually the speed is only off by a small amount. If its grossly off, its probably not moving up to the 45 step. Wrong width can make that happen. Flip the outer platter over and have a look at what its doing. You should be able to determine if the belt is doing what it should be. If its dragging on the C shaped shifter lever you'll know it pretty quick.

Add this to what I say. This is all very wise advice. The belt on a Thorens is very critical to correct performance. Their clutch system and their mechanism depends on the quality of that belt. Don't scrimp on it, pay the price for what I suggest.

 

[bluenote79]

Thank you all so much. It's definitely the belt per @KentTeffeteller and @gadget73 's suggestion. I will get a genuine Thorens belt to replace the one that's on there. Any recommendations on a good supplier in the U.S.? Amazon has them for $35, but a few other places have them for less plus shipping, I'm sure.

 

[gadget73]

I think I bought mine from Rutherford Audio, but Vinyl Nirvana and QAudio also has them.

 

[timmy.timmy]

Thank you all so much. It's definitely the belt per @KentTeffeteller and @gadget73 's suggestion. I will get a genuine Thorens belt to replace the one that's on there. Any recommendations on a good supplier in the U.S.? Amazon has them for $35, but a few other places have them for less plus shipping, I'm sure.

A good new belt is never a waste to have as a spare aside if ever. Otherwise did you clean the belt the TD160 came with, the pulley and sub platter's side ? I would avoid the 'talc' trick as it does work but then leave's talc muck... Did you check as others have ask to look at your belt move from 33 to 45 with the platter on the sub platter but upside down ? Did it go all the way up o the pulley's 'collar ?

If not, the new belt might do the trick And if still not, you might need to try and adjust your sub-chassis suspension. Have you check that ? Read the user's manual on that matter. As "tedious"' it may seems, it's a very important feature of these turntables design in performance. Both mechanically and sonically. Once you'll achieve to set the suspension of your Thorens TD160 right, you'll know for sure.

As for the 'large' spindle symptom, it's something I had with different turntable's brands over the decades. Nothing particularly specific of these Thorens turntables really. And so yes, other turntable's spindles might just be thin or out of specs and many records pressed 'too tight', but the Thorens's spindle is not the one at fault here. So indeed the only way is a gentle sanding with a pencil or such.

 

[Patrick_W]

I will get a genuine Thorens belt to replace the one that's on there. Any recommendations on a good supplier in the U.S.?

+1 on Vinyl Nirvana. I cannot say enough good things about Dave. A great guy and a pleasure to deal with. I bought a Thorens 166 off CL and and a few years later I worked with him to trade up for a TD145. Once that relationship was established any time I need something Thorens I go straight to Dave. He has always been quick and courteous and can help with many Thorens problems and most Thorens parts.

Most importantly for your needs he has the correct Thorens belts.