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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 5 responses by sunnyjim

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thank you to those who replied so quickly. The table I was referring to is under the "turntable" category:  the Thorens TD-166, with an AT-120E cartridge, Obviously, I don't know the seller from Adam, but he has lots  of positive feedback, There is a very good explanation of what has been upgraded and checked out on the table.  If you should take the time to read it, let me know your thoughts about the item
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Matt, Sounds like good advice, but you should read the ad in the "Turntable" Category  about the retooled and refurbished TD-166. The member's name is 'Highspinner" who seems to have done a worth job on the Thorens   I was impressed that he replaced the tonearm and phono cable with Vampire wire. I think the arm is the original Thorens  TP-16.  (I am not sure) If anything the ad context   offers an interesting explanation of the work done. 

BTW, I had owned a Grado Gold  in the 1990 on a VPI JR TT, then a Sumiko Blue Point Special, and....much later a Dynavector 10X5 with a Rega P3-24. which was a  great combo.  Actually the finest cartridge I have ever owned was Sumiko's original "Talisman" MC or MM( not sure) mounted on Sonographe turntable (vintage 1987).

After I sold the Rega, I got out of analog, and one year later justified buying the Project  DC Carbon.table for limited LP use.  I am not a big fan of the higher level Project tables

FYI,, my current system is a pair of Golden Ear Technology 7's,...' a Rogue Sphinx  integrated amp,.... and a Ayre CX-7e mp.   Cables are Harmonic Technolgy Pro11+  and a HT Truthlink IC   Not super high end, but  in the race.    Thanks for your comment.  

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded so far. Unfortunately, the issue is moot because the  restored Thorens  is sold;  in addition, I was not getting the info needed to make an informed decision.


To noromance, Why do you think the 160 is" better than the 166"??

What about the TD-124?? There are very few of those around

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To boofer and tubes 444:,  you have proven without a doubt that the audio vocation, sometimes called a hobby:....... "Is No Country for  grouchy and impatient old men" 

I salute you both for your patience, dedication, and hard work.  SJ 

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Do you have a link for Vinyl Nirvana; I would like to check out his current stock of TD-160's or  TD-166   Does he offer any  warranty for his upgrade work??
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