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Can "Refurbished" Thorens turntables sound better, and worth taking a chance on??

I had seen on Audiogon, and  e-bay a few Thorens turntables of of 60's thru the 80's that have been nicely restored and on sale.  For, example, a few of the models are the TD-160, TD-166, and TD-124. There could be others from that series. Nevertheless, the sellers claim  they have been thoroughly checked out( motor, bearing, belt and platter assemble, and tone arm alignment.)  Also  ne or two bases have been repainted and even lacquered.

My question:   Is it really worth it to invest in a refurbished  table that could be 40 years old??   Thorens were classics in the 60's through early 90's and possibly the best table on the market next to the Linn Sondek LP-12 which was more expensive. Is there a lot of risk in opting for refurbished vintage table over a new one?? .

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with these older tables that have been refurbished and even retolled, and whether they can compete with some of the current tables on the market?? .

BTW, it seems like since the so-called vinyl and analog revolution touted by Michael Fremer and others  of Stereophile, that a good table starts at about  $1500- $2000 without cartridge, and then prices can skyrocket to $3000 to $7000 and beyond. 

Need some feedback because my Project DC Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Red  is just not cutting it for me any longer I thought it would sound better than it does     Thanks!!. 

sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by bondmanp

bondmanp
1,832 posts
 
AFAIK, the TD-160 and the TD-166 MkII are identical except for the 'arm, although I could be mistaken.  And the tonearm for the 166 MkII is a carbon-fiber design with detachable wand which was cutting edge tonearm technology in its' day. 
bondmanp
1,832 posts
 

FWIW - I have had the same TD-166 MkII since I bought it new in 1984 (when I feared that turntables would no longer be available - hah!).  I have had it modded somewhat - some damping of the platter, a new mat, new RCA cables and new feet to better level the 'table.  Also added a KAB record clamp, which is a bargain and perfect for suspended 'tables that can't use heavy clamps.


All I can say is that I have brought some needle-drops made on this table (with either an Ortofon OM-30 or Denon DL-160 cartridge) to some pretty high resolution systems, and have received a lot of completments on the sound quality.


As for the age, these older, West German made Thorens' are built like tanks.  All I ever did to it, maintenance-wise, is a new belt.


I once was at a Stereophile show, and at an "ask the editors" session on analog audio, asked the panel how much I'd have to spend to improve on the TD-166MkII on a modern 'table.  Art Dudley, of course, suggested I stick with my Thorens.  Others suggested something in the $2000 range, which considering inflation, is not much more than the Thorens cost me in 1984.


I guess my advise would be:  If you can get a good deal on a well-maintained and perfectly operating vintage 'table, go for it.  But to spend a lot on a fancy plinth or upgraded 'arm, I am not so sure.  Perhaps once you get into the $2,500 range, you might look at something like a VPI Scout.  Just my $0.02.

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