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Thorens TP-16 Tonearm cartridge mounting issue

Recently, I have acquired a Thorens TD-160 MKI equipped with the original TP-16 tonearm and headshell. I am using Dynavector 10x5 and Grado Gold cartridges but would like to try a Reference Grado in the near future. The problem lies within the headshell of the TP-16 tonearm, as it only allows for mounting from underneath the headshell and there are no holes on the top. After close examination, it seems I can remove the lid of the headshell but there remains a top that lies just above the threaded cartridge plate. Ideally, I would like to have 2 slots located above the headshell plate for cartridge installation and adjustment, this would make installation for Grado Reference and other cartridges much easier.

Does anyone know if there are other headshells that I could fit directly on the end of a TP16 with open slots on the top? Maybe a MKII headshell would work but I am really not sure?

Here is a link to a picture of a TP16 tonearm-
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/thorens/tp16.shtml

Thanks to everyone for your input.

Cheers,
Chris
chris74

Showing 6 responses by chris74

chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Thorman, that's a good idea going from the bottom up but the factory holes on the Grado do not go all the way through the body. Grado may, however, drill out a cartridge body for me if I inquired about it.
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Just a note - it seems there is no headshell on the Thorens TP16 MKII, just interchangeable arm wands.
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Ekobesky, I originally considered swapping out the TP-16 in favor of a modern arm but I feel at this point the Thorens arm is nice enough to keep. I have rewired it completely with Cardas tonearm wire, re lubed and re adjusted the bearings, calibrated the arm and it sounds great. The entire TD160 has been refurbished and properly setup and has proved well worth the effort as it is a whole different sounding table at this point. Internally, they unit has been dampened with cork liner, new Thorens belt, cleaned and adjusted springs, addition of gold rca jacks and a removable IEC with Cardas silver solder used throughout. If you guys want to see the finished 160, take a peek on the system page of my account, there is a picture of the table there.
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Stefanl, compliance is something I have only glanced at, the general information I have about the TP-16 MKI is it is a medium mass tonearm and the Grado should work. Is there a site, link or calculation you could recommend for determining proper cartridge/tonearm compliance?
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Found a formula for calculating compliance here -

http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm

This really helps!
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Does anyone by chance know if the TD166 motor is the same motor that is used in the TD160 MKI? I am searching for a spare and found one from a TD166 but am not sure if this is the same 16 pole asynchronous motor as used in the 160.
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