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Turntable upgraditis

I have a Thorens TD166II that I bought new in about 1984. I've upgraded the leads, dampened the deck, and replaced the platter with a higher mass one. The arm is original, and I'm using a Grado Silver cartridge.

As I've had this guy for coming up on 25 years, I'm a bit attached to it. I also periodically get the urge to upgrade. I've been wondering about the VPI Scout, ClearAudio Basic, and the other turntables in the $2000 range. The TD166 was an entry level turntable in 1984, as the VIP and ClearAudio are now. I'm wondering if replacing the TD166 with a new entry level table would mean that I'm spending two grand to update the looks of my system, rather than making a huge effect in the sound of it.

Are the entry level turntables of today significantly better than those of the 80s? Would I be better off getting a newer table or just upgrading the cartridge on what I have? (The rest of my system is newer: Audion phono; Cary SP98 pre; Cary Rocket 88; Dali Grand Diva; mostly AZ cables.)

Thanks!
abysmillard
8 responses Add your response
grimace
624 posts
 
I had a TD-160 Super with a Grace 707 arm that was my starter table. I wound up buying a used Sota rather than a new table. I believe I got more for my money. New is not always better.
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digepix's avatar
digepix
121 posts
 
I had a Thorens Jubilee for many years, that was the TD=147 anniversary edition. I replaced it with a used SOTA Star about 10 years ago and it was a good upgrade. The SOTA does most things better, better bass, images better. I still miss the Thorens because it just played music and had nothing to do with equipment. This hobby was more fun when it was about just the music not the equipment. If you are determined to upgrade keep the Thorens until your sure this way there are no regrets.
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stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I was a turntable dealer for many years and am one again. My advice is , yes , tables have gotten better. IF I wanted to change I would look for a good used table. VPIs are good, I sold them for years and am doing so again, but there are others. Different tables have different sets of virtues, try to decide what you would most like to improve. The first question you should probably ask yourself is whether you need a suspended table or not. If you have vibration problems then you probably need one. If you don't the direct coupled tables seem to have a little tighter, faster sound in general. Don't get a direct drive unless it is one of the classic ones with no arm.
dazzdax
599 posts
 
You can update a design to the latest technology or... you can go back in time and buy a Thorens TD-124, which also is an upgrade. So I agree with Grimace: new is not always better.

Chris
jdub071
71 posts
 
Maybe upgrade cartridge---I've heard (no pun intended) that cartridge changes make the biggest difference in sound and probably least expensive route unless you go the price is no object, handmade carts with rare wood bodies--there's always that route.
soundwatts
221 posts
 
I had the same exact table with a dynavector 10x4.   was great.  but the VPI scout is in another league.

go for it you will not regret it.
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