[secretagent44]

Any info on an extremely cheap (as close to $100 as possible) turntable? I'd just like to have an analog source, the CD player will still be the main source. Is it possible to get any sort of sound quality whatsoever from this low of a price range? What about just your average, cheap turntable, will that give me better quality than say an equally priced cd player? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[wab]

A 2nd hand Thorens plus a nice cartridge from Audio Technica or Denon or something like that would be around $100. Good Thorens' in that pricerange are TD160, TD50, TD166 I think. I've got a TD150-II with Denon DL110 cartridge. I enjoy it a lot! I think it sounds at least as good as a cheap CD-player.

 

[TimSchirmer]

I would suggest saving another 100$ and getting a Music Hall MMF1, It would beat any of those tables listed above.

 

[Audio-Me]

I've heard a few Thorens turntables, they sounded really nice for the low price.

 

[Hirsch]

Quote:

Originally posted by TimSchirmer I would suggest saving another 100$ and getting a Music Hall MMF1, It would beat any of those tables listed above.

I wouldn't bet money on the MMF1 against some of the Thorens tables in good condition.

 

[TimSchirmer]

Yeah, you are probably right, I was just under the impression that the really kickass thorens turntable was the TD124 / 125

 

[joelongwood]

I have a Thorens TD 125 MKII turntable from around 1973........it's built like a tank and performs flawlessly. Problem is I never use it..........I had to disconnect it and store it to make room for all this headphone stuff.

 

[gaineso]

If $100.00 is carved in stone, then I would look for something used. Really check it out carefully though. Stay away from pawn shops though. At least in Florida, they tend to charge way to much for abused items.

If you're willing to go higher or save a little longer, check out the Music Hall MMF 2. I've got one and really like it. IMHO it's worth the money.

 

[TimSchirmer]

Quote:

Originally posted by joelongwood I have a Thorens TD 125 MKII turntable from around 1973........it's built like a tank and performs flawlessly. Problem is I never use it..........I had to disconnect it and store it to make room for all this headphone stuff.

Hehehe...i could take that tt off your hands

 

[secretagent44]

Thanks for the help. How hard is it to get ahold of a good condition Thorens? Where exactly would I look for one? Here's the real issue though, what would give me the more 'different' sound: a pair of grado sr-80's with my sony D-E456 discman or sticking with my v6's and buying a turntable?

 

[lini]

bond44: Actually, it's hard to kill a good Thorens. If the table turns nicely and without noise and if the chassis looks well kept, usually the worst thing that can happen to you is investment in a new belt. Thorens belts should be still availabe for ~ US-$ 15.

I'd look for models in that order 1. TD146/147/166/160 Super 2. TD320 (II) (<- harder to adjust...) 3. TD280 (II, IV). And I guess I'd try the AT331LP with it - if you don't get a better cartridge with it already, that is.

'More different sound' -mhm, difficult, because it depends on what you're looking for. You'd hear more difference with the Grado, I'd say, but if you're looking for a more refined sound, you'll live happier with the Thorens...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[wab]

The thorens are also very tweakable. For example my TD150 is almost an identical transport to the Linn LP-12. Almost every part can be upgraded with Linn parts. You can also mount new arms and stuff. A good source for tweaks is here: http://www.theanalogdept.com/
or search the audioasylum.