Another Turntable Offering:
Custom Thorens TD-160 in Solid Padauk Plinth w/Upgraded Rega RB-250, Extras, $995 plus shipping
Why spend more to buy a refurbished Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
Buying vintage electronic equipment on eBay can be a gamble. To better your chances at winning, you want two things: 1) Plenty of information about the auction item; and 2) A seller you can trust. When an Thorens turntable is refurbished by Vinyl Nirvana, it undergoes a multi-step inspection and tuning regimen. Ask another seller of a Thorens table on Ebay these questions and see if you can get a response…
Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?
Is the spindle straight? Was the spindle cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?
Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?
Is the belt new or in near mint condition?
Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)
Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)
Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?
Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?
Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate? Is anti-skate functioning? Is appropriate tonearm weight installed?
Is cueing adjusted properly?
Were electrical connections cleaned and inspected? Headshell leads? Tonearm recepticle? RCA plugs? (Dirty connections can contribute to hum problems.) Are all connections tight? ( I use Dexoit products, highly recommended.)
Is transport screw intact? Is it functioning properly?
Are dust cover hinges intact and not stripped?
Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?
What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?
Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)
Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 33 and 45 rpm?
Was headshell inspected? Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle?
Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?
Is a proper mat installed?
Is the base intact? Are the rubber feet intact?
If a Thorens table fails to pass any of the above inspections, Vinyl Nirvana corrects the problem before it gets listed. If the turntable is unsellable due to too many defects, it becomes a parts unit to be used in the restoration of other Thorens units. In addition to this multi-step inspection, each turntable is thoroughly detailed with appropriate cleaners. The average cleaning takes up to two hours. Though the tables Vinyl Nirvana sells will vary cosmetically, they will always be clean. Can you trust Vinyl Nirvana as a seller? Please read our ebay feedback (username vinylnirvana3345)regarding sales of turntables. See our testimonial page.
This Week’s Thorens TD-160 in Custom Solid Padauk Plinth w/Upgraded Rega RB-250, Extras, $1095 plus shipping
What makes this week’s offering EXTRA special is the custom plinth in solid Paduak. I just love the depth and coloring of this exotic hardwood. As gorgeous as this looks in the photos, it is even more so in person. I love how the reddish tones give it the look of a TD-160 Super!
Cosmetically, this table is a solid 8.5 on a scale of 1-10. The solid Padauk plinth is brand new with not a single blemish to report. The metal portion of the plinth is in very goodcondition, with some nicks in the area BENEATH the custom armboard. The new custom set-on style dust cover is included. You can choose from smoked acrylic (pictured) or clear. Finally, the Bren record weight is also included.
The custom African Padauk plinth was crafted by a finish carpenter/cabinet maker with over thirty years of experience. It was finished in mulitiple coats of Tung oil finish. The custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the regular TD-160 plinth, particularly with the addition of a solid 3/4 inch mdf bottom. Similar to the Thorens TD-160 Super, I have judiciously added quality dynamat to the underside.
All in all, you are getting very close to the perfomance and looks of a TD-160 Super for substantially less!
The Upgraded Rega RB-250
If you have never compared a stock Rega RB – 250 to one that has been rewired with upgrade Incognito wiring, it is a night and day difference… a cliche I rarely use, but in this case it’s true. In addition, as part of the rewiring, the arm ground was removed from the signal path. Finally, the plastic counterweight and stub were upgraded with the RB – 300 stainless steel stub/weight. (An upgrade that is universally hailed.)
Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $2000 range with ease. I would be happy to mount any cartridge for the new owner for $30. If I install the cartridge, it makes set-up incredibly easy for set-up.
The Details
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 prefer Fedex Ground. 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. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only.
Some comments from buyers….
“Outstanding & dedicated craftsman. Helpful hints. Personal attention.”
“The best! A great communicator who goes above and beyond in the service dept.”
“If you want an excellent reconditioned vintage turntable, Dave’s the Man! Thanks”
“When eBay was invented, nobody dreamed there’d be a seller as great as Dave!!”
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.