What TT upgrade from tweaked Thorens TD160

FWIW, my suspension-less tables have far fewer footfall problems (viz., none) than my old suspended table, this on a springy wood floor. Bouncy floor + suspended table = problems.

If defeating the springs on the TD-160 is a fairly simple and reversible DIY, I'd certainly try that before shelling out dough to make what might be a lateral "upgrade"

Jgiacalo,

That's great news. The ability to trouble-shoot, adjust and tweak sonic results is part of the attraction of vinyl replay. Or maybe it's part of the annoyance. I sometimes forget which! ;-)

In addition to trying various footers to tame that newfound bit of edginess, you should also try very small adjustments in VTF and VTA. A slight increase in the former or decrease in the latter might do the trick.

Tolerate equipment, enjoy music!
Doug

VTF

- too light allows mistracking by the stylus. Since HF modulations are the hardest to track, they take on a slight "tizziness" or edge as the stylus struggles to trace them cleanly.

- too heavy dulls HF's and diminishes overall dynamics. The music sounds sodden.

- just right gives HF's that are fully extended but clean, and maximum bass and dynamics.

VTA

- too high tends to reproduce HF's slightly before LF's. This gives sounds a bit of fizz or edge.

- too low tends to reproduce LF's slightly before HF's. This makes things sound dull or unexciting.

- just right gets all the frequencies of a note centered. Everything from LF to HF is coordinated with maximum punch.

VTF and VTA are inter-related. Changing one often effects the other. It can drive you nuts if you let it. Some people take that as a challenge to get it right. Others don't want the distraction and prefer to just enjoy the music the way it is. The right way is whatever way you feel most comfortable.