Thinking about buying a Canadian Thorens Turntable


Hello:

I am presently planning to add a turntable to my system. And while during the last few weeks, I have been looking at many suitors (a ProJect Perspective, a Rega Planar 25/RB600, a VPI HW-19 Jr./Rega RB600, and maybe, a used Thorens TD 126 Electronic (it could be either a Mk I, a Mk II, or a Mk III)). But with exception of the Thorens TD 126 Electronic, all of the other tables I am interested in are priced at $1,000.00 and up. Faced with the prospect of paying these prices for what I feel is a reasonably good turntable. And while I haven't ruled out paying that price for a new table if and when the situation should call for it, I would like to explore all of my options as well. And that means getting a used table in mint condition if at all possible. If I am going this route, then I am going to be looking at turntable/arm systems that were priced at $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 a few years back (which I can get right now for maybe $300.00 to about $650.00, depending on make, model and design. Condition of the table will be a major factor as well), or better yet, I may consider getting a used Thorens TD 146, TD 160 or TD 165. These are pretty respectable tables as well, and if I can get of these used off the net, then I could pay as little as $150.00 for one of these babies. The problem being is that the ones I am interested in seem to be located in Canada. What I want to know now is "is" the power source of Canada is different from the power source that is here in America?? What I mean is that typically, the power source here in America is 15 volts where as the Canadian's power source is about 16 volts (at least, that's what it says on the back of one of the units that I am interested in). And if it is, is there anyway I could get it converted to 15 volts here in America??? Or it doesn't make any difference one way or the other??

By the way, I am already settled on my Phono Stage. My Phono Stage is going to be the Monolithic PS-1 Dual-Mono Phono Stage/HC-1 Dual-Mono Power Supply.

Thanks in advance!!!!!!

--Charles--
128x128chaskelljr2001

Showing 3 responses by jimbo3

Jeff- Hell, them Enron folks wasn't even Texans, they was YANKEES tellin' us how they done it "up North"! To answer your question, we need to make steers of them, if you know what I mean....
Jeff- Down here in Texas we get a full 120 volts, but I think Enron only exported 15 volts to the US and gave the Canadians that extra volt because of a negotiated settlement with Quebec and Canada so Enron didn't have to print it's Quebec statements in French.

A little known fact is that Quebec eventually voted "no" to succession because of that extra volt, the cost of which ultimately resulted in Enron collapsing so that Quebec could again be one with Canada. And does Quebec appreciate the sacrifice? No!! C'Est La Vie, eh.
Charles-

All joking aside, be careful of eBay. My experience there has been mixed at best. You'll probably have much better luck here on Audiogon as the folks that are buying/selling are more knowledgeable and tend to have taken much better care of their equipment. At eBay, there are alot of "traders" looking to make a buck and folks who found something in the garage that their kid left behind and don't know/don't care about it.

I have bought and sold a number of things here on 'Gon that would have fetched a few more dollars at eBay, but it's a great group of honest people here that offer very good product at fair prices.

Regards
Jim