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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 1 response by tubes444

tubes444
91 posts
 

tubes 444


I bought a TD 125 New back then there days. It was pretty much near the top at that time. I still have it BUT!!   with many tweets.

1.Replaced to whole platter with solid pc Alum. Turned down on a lathe.

2.New Wt 23#.. then 20 bored 1/2" Dia holes bottom up each filed with silicone every so many degrees. The  then had it spin balance. Within .002 0z.

3. Replaced the shaft with  4140 Steel (Harden) Inserted ceramic

    machined & polished cup to 45 micron finish for the bearing to seat.

5. Order a complete ball bearing housing.

  Aero space grade tolerance.   Robbed one bearing.

6. I tube of SUPER MOLY lube used on very high speed friction control.

7. Had the drive  Mtr  rewind with. 99% OCF copper. Replaced its shaft bearings with high quality ones. had the motor armature balanced.

8. Replaced the speed controller with digital. Will now hold 33.3 RPM

+/- within 800ths of exact RPM. Same as 33.333336.

9.Added 10# of modeling clay to the inside of the wood base.

10. Added gel filled table feet to the wood frame.

11.  4 Oil filed suspension supporting 125 table. Shocks @ ea  corner

                    TEST TIME.

With scope and sound generator radiator DIRECT connected to wood.

Then 15Hz> 20Hz> 50Hhz> 100 Hz random sweeps .

Range now -45 to- 65DB.

Results rumble inaudible. PERIOD!!

Why all the effort & expense. Dead silent on soft passages, Airy strings

cymbals float out the speakers for the 1st time. Female vocals very throaty.

Again WHY??  Why let some engineer have all the FUN at my expense.

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