2. analog
  3. 1292810275

Seeking Turntable Advice

Hi TT mavens: I'm lookong for some turntable advice. Actually, it's for two stereo systems -- one is my son's and the other is mine.

In my son's case, his equipment is very basic, to wit: an ARC SP-9, a Crown DC-150A2, a pair of "starter" Rega speakers, an old CD player and my old Thorens TD 160 Mk II that I bought in the mid-70s. I need advice regarding the the Thorens TT.

Specifically, the TT has NEVER been serviced since I bought it, but it runs. There is a hum in one channel. My question is whether it makes sense to put any money into restoring the TD 160 or should I bronze and donate it a stereo museum?? If the former, are there any upgrades or improvements that I should think about? Also, any thoughts about who could do the work?? I live in the greater Philly area. If the latter, any suggestions for a new TT and cartridge for my son?? Perhaps a used Rega, e.g.,an old P1 or P2.

In my case, ironically, I have maybe 75 to 100 old records (many of which are scratched) that I acquired in the 70s and 80s. My system is centered around a CD player. I have tons of CDs, so I don't think I want to go crazy with a TT. By way of background, my rigs is made up of the following equipment: ARC Ref CD-7 CD player, an ARC Ref 3 preamp, an ARC VS 115 power amp and Paradigm S8s (v.2 with the Be tweeter - unreal!!) and the Paradigm Signature Servo sub.

Personally, although I like vinyl and am willing to buy more if I come a cross a great platter, I believe that CDs are here to stay. Further, I think that SACD or some other high-def digital format is coming. With that said, what advice do you have for me regarding a TT (used is ok) and cartridge. As regards a phono pre amp, I would like to stay with ARC, but can go cheap on a phono pre amp for the time being.

Sorry for the long message. Thanks for the advice!! BIF

bifwynne

Showing 5 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks for the Big Picture advise. As regards my son's system, any suggestions of a shop which could service the TT and install upgrades if any??

As far as my system is concerned, how much cost to step up to Linn 12/Cirkus, w/ Linn Ittok LVII and Shelter Mk I arm?? As I said above, "although I like vinyl and am willing to buy more if I come a cross a great platter, I believe that CDs are here to stay. Further, I think that SACD or some other high-def digital format is coming. With that said, what advice do you have for me regarding a TT (used is ok) and cartridge?" Thanks for the help. BIF
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Hi 4musica44107: Thanks for responding. First, let me state that I strongly believe in buying used equipment where possible because our hobby is so expensive. Of course I recognize that it is unlikely that I will be able to pick up a used cartridge.

Second, I like tubes, ergo my choice of ARC equipment. However, tight now, my thought is to buy a low end SS phono stage to get into vinyl. The SS phono stage would feed into my ARC Ref 3 preamp. Later, IF I like vinyl, I would like to upgrade to an ARC PH-7. Perhaps even the newly released ARC PH-6 after units start hitting the used market.

Third, because the bulk of my INITIAL $$ will be concentrated on TT and cartridge, I would like to limit my overall investment to $1500 (not including phono section).

Thanks again. BIF
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Cio52. Any recommendations for a good used TT, new cartridge and SS phono stage? Also, any thoughts about who could service/upgrade my son's Thorens TD 160 Mk II? I strongly suspect that the unit needs a complete overall, cleaning, lube and phono wires. BIF
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks to all for the great advice. I'm trying to apply as much as I can. Per Elevick's advice, I found an Audiogoner who does vintage Thorens TT repairs. He will service my son's TD 160 Mk II for a very fair fee. Per Lewm's advice, I picked up a USED Grado Sonata. I should receive the Sonata early next week. I'll report back as soon as I get a listen.

I would also like to pick up on Lewm's comments about CD and other so called "hi rez" media formats. Specifically, Lewm wrote that "SACD is hanging on by its teeth and the other hi-rez format (DVD-A)is pretty dead already. The coming digital technology is downloads via your omputer . . . ."

Lewm, you may be right. Admittedly I do not understand the technology behind the various digital media formats. However, one thing I DO understand quite well is whether the media in question (e.g., CD, vinyl, etc) sounds good on my rig. IMHO, one of the biggest barriers goes to the quality of the recording and mastering.

Do you think computer downloads, from a practical and commercial perspective, will be well recorded and mastered or, alternatively, packaged for "the kids" for playback on porta-players??
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Oh, btw to all: Sincere wishes for a Merry X-Mas and Happy New year.
More to discover