[scott_d_m]

I'm really interested in getting into vinyl and had few questions about the[size=x-small] THORENS TD-166 Mk II.

First, how much is too much to pay for a mint TT like this one? I realize that this particular TT is about 20 yrs old or more but it is in immaculate shape.
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Second, would this make a good starter TT?

Third, how easy would it be to buy replacement parts for TT like this if something should break or go wrong with it?

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

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[memepool]

It's a great intoduction to vinyl. It belongs to the TD150/160 family of Thorens turntables which were in production for over 40 years and have recenly been relauched by the new owners. So spares won't be an issue.

Also it's a very upgradeable deck as it says here in this review here

HI-FI WORLD - OLDE WORLDE - THORENS TD150/160 TURNTABLE

More resources and info on the various upgrades here

Thorens Dept.

Ignore what HFW say about holding on for a 150/160, as if the price is right for this one, the differences are minimal and they've gained in popularity a lot since this piece was written, with the resurgence of interest in vinyl.

Prices for this in good condition nowdays outside Europe would be 250-350USD. For the 166 I wouldn't pay any more than this. In Europe you can still find them for much less.

 

[scott_d_m]

Thank you for your reply. If anybody out there has any experience with this TT or others similar to it, I would like to hear from you.

 

[bigshot]

I have a 165 and it's a great turntable. I think the 166 had a little more plastic, but it's basically the same thing. Fair price in mint shape would be under $300.

See ya
Steve

 

[AgentVX]

I actually took this very turntable off a friend's hands several weeks ago. It's my first turntable as well so I can't give a very educated opinion on how good it is, but I managed to compare it to my parents' cheap Philips TT and the Thorens just blows it out of the water - the sound from the Philips was just a muddy mess in comparison. Have fun if you decide to get it. Vinyl is quite an experience

 

[lini]

For a TD166II with TP11III in mint condition (including almost immaculate lid) I'd deem some some 150 to 200 Euro max. a justified price over here. The depicted one seems to have an older Grado cart, so that would be worth at least some 20 Euro more (or more, depending on the type and condition of the needle...).

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

P.S.: Thorens arms are often said to be not so great - imo, that's nonsense. If in good working condition, there's nothing wrong with most Thorens arms. You just need to be aware that the TP11III is a light arm for the choice of cartridge...

 

[derekbmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lini /img/forum/go_quote.gif P.S.: Thorens arms are often said to be not so great - imo, that's nonsense. If in good working condition, there's nothing wrong with most Thorens arms. You just need to be aware that the TP11III is a light arm for the choice of cartridge...

Agreed! It is complete nonsense. The week link is the RCA cables running from the platic "junction box" below the tonearm.

The replacement of these makes for a HUGE improvement. The stock cabling is very poor and seems to oxidize easily.
The replacement of the headshell leads is also a good thing to do.

 

[Tiemen]

I have a Thorens TD 166, bought for 100 Euro.
But it needed some repair and maintenance, so a 50 Euro was added.
Some parts are very difficult to obtain, at least here in Europe.
If you can buy one that is in mint condition, than it's a great start for listening to vinyl. Add a new Grado cartridge, and you're in for a treat. It beats a lot of CD players.
The best turntables are those who are still in use. They suffer the most from not being used.

 

[JadeEast]

While I love Thorens decks (i've had three) there is an ideal starter rig for sale on head fi based on a technics 1200. I have no association with the seller I just think it's a good deal on a good rig.

 

[scott_d_m]

Quote:

For a TD166II with TP11III in mint condition (including almost immaculate lid) I'd deem some some 150 to 200 Euro max. a justified price over here. The depicted one seems to have an older Grado cart, so that would be worth at least some 20 Euro more (or more, depending on the type and condition of the needle...). Greetings from Munich! Manfred / lini P.S.: Thorens arms are often said to be not so great - imo, that's nonsense. If in good working condition, there's nothing wrong with most Thorens arms. You just need to be aware that the TP11III is a light arm for the choice of cartridge...

Quote:

Agreed! It is complete nonsense. The week link is the RCA cables running from the platic "junction box" below the tonearm. The replacement of these makes for a HUGE improvement. The stock cabling is very poor and seems to oxidize easily. The replacement of the headshell leads is also a good thing to do.

lini & Derekbmn, Thanks for the advice gentlemen. Much appreciated.

 

[scott_d_m]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadeEast /img/forum/go_quote.gif While I love Thorens decks (i've had three) there is an ideal starter rig for sale on head fi based on a technics 1200. I have no association with the seller I just think it's a good deal on a good rig.

I agree, that is a good deal, but the problem for me is that the seller would be shipping the the U.S., which can be a hassle for us non-americans.

The fact that I can get a chance to own an absolute minty Thorens td166 mkII (this thing looks like it brand new)for about $255 CAD from a canadian seller, is a deal that I can't pass on.

 

[scott_d_m]

Update. I've just been outbid for the Thorens td166 mkII over at ebay. As of now, it is selling for $300 CAD, which is still a good price but by the the time you add on the $40 packaging fee and shipping, this TT is a little to pricey for me

. Oh well, I'll just have to hold off for a bit and see what else comes up.

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekbmn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Agreed! It is complete nonsense. The week link is the RCA cables running from the platic "junction box" below the tonearm. The replacement of these makes for a HUGE improvement. The stock cabling is very poor and seems to oxidize easily. The replacement of the headshell leads is also a good thing to do.

I've had a Thorens TD160 BC and now I have a TD125 MkII. In my experience the stock arms are ok to get you started or if you care about keeping the deck in original condition for collectors purposes...but there are much much better arms out there vintage or modern if you want to get the best from the Thorens.

After experimenting with SME ( 3009 S2 / Series III) and Linn ( LVV / LVX / LVII ) I ended up with TD125 fitted with an Origin Live modded Rega, which is a pretty formidable sounding deck even by modern standards.

The reason why the stock Thorens arms are criticised is that they are really not upto the same standards as the motorboard. Don't get me wrong, a stock Thorens is a very fine deck. They are well on par with anything you'll buy today for 500USD easily, but most of the tonearm designs are now quite dated compared to what you'd find on a Pro-Ject or Rega ( although in almost every other aspect the Thorens are far superior).

Of course I agree that rewiring will certainly yield big improvements if you are adept at that sort of thing. But it can be a fiddly pig of a job even on a simple arm like the Rega RB300, much easier to send it to a specialist like Audio Origami.
But then it's probably more cost effective to just swop out a better arm. The Thorens suspension is light an bouncy on the 150/160 series so will work better with fairly light arms like the SME 3009 which is the classic pairing. In North America you might find it easier to get hold of an Infinity Black Widow or ADC arm.
Modern arms like the Jelco are perfect and I reckon the Pro-Ject Carbon would also be a pretty good match. Fitted with something like this the Thorens becomes a much more serious proposition able to mix it up with decks into the VPI class.

 

[derekbmn]

Oh memepool don't get me wrong, I agree with you on that . There is no doubt that the Thorens tonearms can be bested rather easily. I'm just saying that they are not quit as bad as some make them out to be and can be tweaked and improved for a small amount of money.

Another tweak that cost's almost nothing is to put some plumbers tape around the headshell connection and make sure it is damn tight.

On another note: I have an ADC ALT-1 on one of my AR "The Turntables" and I am not real impressed with it. I'm starting to think that low mass tonearms and suspended tables just don't jive together so well. (well at least this combo doesn't) I will continue to work on it and see if adding some weight to the arm tube helps.

 

[chadbang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memepool /img/forum/go_quote.gif After experimenting with SME ( 3009 S2 / Series III) and Linn ( LVV / LVX / LVII ) I ended up with TD125 fitted with an Origin Live modded Rega, which is a pretty formidable sounding deck even by modern standard.

What Rega arm did you put on your TD125. I have a TD125 and, although I think the rega arms look fanstastic, I'd heard they weren't a good match with that table. What modifications did you have to do to it. Was it an RB300? They're amazing arms at a good price, so I'm interested in how you made it work!