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Thorens vs Lenco vs Pro-Ject III

S

scoran

New Member
Just getting back into vinyl after a long time away. This will be my first proper purchase and I want to spend $300 or less and buy a quality table that will hopefully hold its value on resale... or allow me to upgrade as I go.

I'm considering three paths based on what's available to me:

1. Thorens TD 160 (original) or Thorens TD 145 mkII - both belt drive from an excellent brand;

2. Dual 1019 or Lenco L75 - idler wheels whose technology I like based on limited experience (would buy a TD 124 in a heartbeat)

3. to heck with vintage; just get a Pro-Ject III or similar

Brain has been on overload reading up on all this and I just want a turntable that is well built and won't be a PITA to operate. Help!!
 
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scoran said:
Just getting back into vinyl after a long time away. This will be my first proper purchase and I want to spend $300 or less and buy a quality table that will hopefully hold its value on resale... or allow me to upgrade as I go.

Brain has been on overload reading up on all this and I just want a turntable that is well built and won't be a PITA to operate. Help!!
Click to expand...

Have a look at the Orbit Plus too:
http://store.uturnaudio.com/products/orbit-plus-turntable :thumbsup:
 
Can't really go wrong with the Thorens. The Lenco IMO has higher potential, but needs a heavy plinth and a better tonearm to get the best out of it.
 
The Lenco L-75 can sound nice after some little alterations. But it simply can't compete with a Pioneer PL-630 quartz locked DD which you could probably get for $300.
 
Currently considering either a Thorens TD 160 and TD 145 mkII, both in my area. Which would be better?

muovimies said:
Can't really go wrong with the Thorens. The Lenco IMO has higher potential, but needs a heavy plinth and a better tonearm to get the best out of it.
Click to expand...
 
The Lenco is up for sale in my area, as for a Pioneer PL-630 not at the moment. What do you think is better about a quartz-locked DD and what brands / years would you recommend?

Would quartz/DD be better than a used Rega or new Pro-Ject III?

Daunia 70 said:
The Lenco L-75 can sound nice after some little alterations. But it simply can't compete with a Pioneer PL-630 quartz locked DD which you could probably get for $300.
Click to expand...
 
Thorens are great tables, and if you can get the TD160 in good condition for three bills you could do a lot worse.

That said, my long time table (more than two decades) an AR XA was my main deck, the Thorens in my bedroom system for a reason, the AR was that much better.

Now that said, recently decided to give DD another try, purchased a beautiful Kenwood KD -500 and it relegated my long time friend the AR to my son, yes it was that much better.

The point to all this, be patient and try to audition as many tables as possible.
 
Direct drives are nice, but they are all getting old and the electronics can go anytime and repairs can be expensive or you can end up with a door stop. The Thorens belt drives are nice and fairly simple compared to a DD table, not a lot to go wrong and have an upgrade path if you desire. The Lenco is in another league, very simple mechanically, will hold its' value and you can upgrade to your hearts content if that is what you desire. I have several nice DDs and a nice Thorens and other nice belt drives and other idler drives, but the king of the hill at my place is my custom Lenco 75. Only you can decide what is right for you, Kingshead gave good advice when he said to be patient and audition as many tables as possible.
 
I had a ProJect Xpression III. Never liked it. The Lenco L75 has been here almost 6 years and I don't foresee it leaving anytime soon.
 
KimG is partially correct re some direct drive tables that do everything but make coffee in the morning, a lot to possibly go wrong. On the other hand a couple of tables I'v owned like a manual Sony PS-X500 that had end of record lift and a Kenwood KD-500 that was totally manual both tables were faultless especially the KD-500 electronics are fairly simple and cheap to maintain and is built for a lifetime of service. If the OP already has a table to tide him over I'd stick with it while he searches for the best table he can find within his budget, numerous AK members have managed to find some great vintage tables, education is the key to unlock which ones to look for that will not only hold their value but increase in value.
 
If you check the prices on the KD770D they are starting to climb, the secret is getting out on just how great this table is. Of course threads like this could have a lot to do with this LOL, just glad I already have one.
 
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