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 2 responses by hi_hifi

Elevick's advice is spot on (the Crown needs to go). Given your investment in ARC gear I think you might like a Linn LP12 at the Cirkus level with a Linn Ittok LVII and a Shelter 901 MkI if you can find one. You could find all this on Agon.
There are usually a few Linn LP-12 turntables and Ittok tone arms listed on Agon.

Here is one, for example:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1298145699&/Linn-LP12-with-Ittok-See-Photo; it has a slightly older style dust cover.

This example fits roughly within your budget - although this one would need a cartridge; you could start with a moving magnet and move to a moving coil (like the Shelter ) later depending on what you perceive to be the value from the first step. I think with your ARC gear you could easily resovle the audible differences of good/better/top shelp analog gear.

Linn's come in lots of different evolutionary configurations; don't know how hard it would be to find a Cirkus level unit within your price range but it's worth exploring. In general, you can't go too wrong with a Linn LP-12; there is always a re-sale market for them - but it would be hard to imagine wanting to sell one after listening to it in a good system. It's a classic (as is the Ittok).

Let us know what you wind up doing.

Good luck.