Silver Beauty! Thorens TD-160 BC MKII Turntable w/ Grace 707 arm

Another Turntable Offering:

Silver Beauty! Thorens TD-160 BC MKii w/ Grace 707 arm, $895 plus shipping

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Why buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

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.

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This Week’s Silver Beauty! Thorens TD-160 BC MkII

The Thorens TD-160 was my first “audiophile” turntable, so it holds a special place in my heart. Everything about this table says quality, from the well-machined drive platter to the fit-n-finish of the levers.  Best of all, this table is built to last…my wager is it’ll outlive most of its owners. Cosmetically, this table is an 8.0 on a scale of 1-10.  (I am a hard rater.) The brushed aluminum base is in good to very good condition with occasional scuffs and one nick. (See pics)   The metal top plate is in excellent condition.  The dustcover is in typical used condition, with light scuffs and scratches, 5-6 deeper scratches, but no cracks. The Bren weight is not included, adds $79. I have also added new upgrade feet and a new felt mat.

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The Grace 707 Tonearm

The Grace line of vintage arms is very well regarded.  It is one of my favorite vintage arms. This used arm is in very good to excellent cosmetic and functional condition. Note there is a small melt deformity on the left inner side about a half inch in length. (see pic)  The arm is mounted on a genuine Thorens  armboard.

If you purchase this table, we can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale. I have several recommendations.  If I mount and align your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the peace of mind it’s been done right.  I am a dealer for Ortofon, Grado, and Dynavector cartridges.  I also have some “delicious” vintage cartridges.  Signet in the pictures is not included.

Dust cover in good condition is included. Hinges too!
Dust cover in good condition is included. Hinges too!
Small nick on right top rail
Small nick on right top rail

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Top plate in excellent condition
Top plate in excellent condition
Platter features the more desirable 10mm bearing shaft
Note small melt “deformity” to left front of headshell.
Example of light scuffing here and there on the silver colored plinth
Example of light scuffing here and there on the silver colored plinth
Bren weight adds $79
Bren weight adds $79
Dust cover in fair to good condition. Many scuffs. Some deeper scratches.
Dust cover in fair to good condition. Many scuffs. Some deeper scratches.

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.