2016 VN-150! A Transformed Thorens TD-150 in custom Caribbean Rosewood plinth, Upgraded Rega (Moth) RB-202 Tonearm, Extras

When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen.  The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Linn, and AR for over a decade.  I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible.

In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens. Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary.  It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided.  When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting.  If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.

As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them.  Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory.  Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source.  For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty.  Likewise, when something is custom painted or powercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England.  Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.

Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables.  I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident.  I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99%.  In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal.  A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life. See our testimonial page.

The 2016 Vinyl Nirvana VN-150! A Transformed Thorens TD-150!

Okay, you can tell from my website and my descriptions that I get pretty excited about turntables and the peripheries…even after all these years.  Well, multiply that excitement tenfold and you will know how I feel about this specific turntable.  I have been modifying the wonderful and venerable Thorens TD-150 for over 10 years.  For about five years I have been fantasizing about creating the turntable you see before you.  The basic idea was to extend the footprint of the turntable to allow a Linn/TD-125 sized arm board.

From there, well things just took off.  The gorgeous plinth is made from Caribbean Rosewood. To round out the unit, I installed a brand-new Rega RB-202 badged Moth with upgraded Cardas wire and clips, as well as excellent Art Pop RCAs.

Cosmetically, this turntable is a solid 9.5/10  The 3/4″ solid Caribbean Rosewood plinth is brand new, as is the black acrylic armboard.  The metal portion of the plinth is new also as I had custom plates made in brushed anodized aluminum. They look amazing!  The new custom set-on style dust cover and quality felt mat are included.

I said earlier that this was loosely modeled on the Linn LP-12.  I would wager that at the fraction of the cost of a new LP-12, this transformed TD-150 would give even the present day Linn a run for its money.

New for 2016

As described in the video at the bottom of the page, the 2016 model features some performance enhancements:

• The armboard for the RB-202 models is now solid acrylic, a material much better suited to isolating the tonearm and cartridge from unwanted resonances
• The underside of the top plate and the subchassis are now damped in the same manner in which we damp the TD-160 Super Reproduction model
• Each unit is now fitted with motor and bearing well damping rings

The extra emphasis on damping unwanted resonance has really paid off in performance. I encourage you to watch the video at the bottom of the page. Note: The Bren Weight and Cork-Rubber Composite Mat now add $120

The new Rega (Moth) RB-202 Tonearm w/Upgraded Cardas Wiring

Rega arms are continually hailed for their performance and value.  This new Rega RB-202, badged as Moth, is no exception.  The new three point attachment design mounts the arm rigidly to the new armboard.  The arm has been professionally rewired with Cardas wiring from clips to RCA.  Clips are also Cardas and the RCAs are ART Pop.  If you wish, you can replace the RB202 counterweight and stub with the RB303 stainless steel counterweight and stub for $85.  In my opinion, with the Cardas rewire and the stub/counterweight upgrade, this arm surpasses the performance of the RB-303 which retails for $595.

This table and arm are capable of handling cartridges in the $200 to $800 range with ease. I am an Ortofon, Dynavector, and Grado dealer. If the new owner wants me to purchase one from me, installation and alignment is free. Or, if you want to send your own cartridge, mounting and alignment is $30.

Music Hall Cruise Control, Adds $299

Along the way to bringing the VN-150 turntable to fruition, I began to experiment with Power Supply/Speed Control units.  I’d read about others using the Music Hall Cruise Control (retail $299) on the TD-150, and so I tried it myself.  I was very impressed.  As I have stated previously, there is something about these speed control units that makes the music jump right out of the groove.  I hear the same thing on this combination.  This is an exceptionally easy do-it-yourself addition, so if you don’t opt for the Cruise Control now, it literally takes less than two minutes to add it later!

The Details

The shipping is not included.  This table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there. Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee.  After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.