Another Turntable Offering:
Stunning Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction, new Jelco 850S tonearm, Padauk plinth, $2295 plus shipping
Why buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
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.
This Week’s Custom Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction
The Story
Hands down, the turntable for which I receive the most requests is the Thorens TD-160 Super. Unfortunately, this premium Thorens model was not manufactured in great numbers, so there are just not that many that come to the used market. For those who don’t know, what made the Super model the Super was 1)a beefier plinth and bottom; 2)underside damping; 3)heartier hinges; 4) a cleaner (and sexier) top plate that allowed changing arms without the vestigial cueing lever or armrest holes.
Having worked with a metal sheet fabricator and silk screener last year on the 125 Long Base project, I decided to undertake having high quality replica top plates manufactured. I knew that both companies were up to the task after the truly astounding job they did on the 125LB fascia plate. What you see pictured is the result. The plates are identical in every way except for some instructional printing in the area covered by the platters.
Meeting the other “obligations” for the Super designation were simple. The damping is something I’ve been doing to various tables for years, mostly at the request of customers. The plinths are our own custom plinths, which exceed the quality of the Thorens in terms of being solid wood, not veneer. Finally, the dustcover is set-on style, eliminating the need for hinges altogether.
Performance-wise, having both a genuine Thorens TD-160 Super and my reproduction sitting side by side on my bench, it is easy to argue that this reproduction should actually exceed the performance of a stock TD-160 Super because of the increased mass and density of the solid wood plinths.
The Table
What makes this week’s offering EXTRA special is the custom plinth in solid 3/4″ Paduak. I just love depth of the grain and the drop dead gorgeous coloring of this hardwood. As fabulous as this looks in the photos, it is even more so in person. The custom 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. As mentioned above, the custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the stock plinth. A 3/4 inch mdf bottom also adds mass.
Cosmetically, this table is a solid 9.5 on a scale of 1-10. With the new plinth, new top plate and new cover, it really is museum quality, with not one single cosmetic flaw to report. (Why not a 10.0? I just don’t feel comfortable listing a vintage table as a 10.0.) Note the new custom acrylic dustcover is included. All in all, this table has the looks to match its performance.
I am very excited that this is my first table offered with the new Jelco 850S tonearm. I’ve been listening to an 850S since late January in my own system, and it’s no doubt Jelco has hit a homerun with this arm, sonic-wise and stylistically. It’s got to be the best under/just over $1000 arm on the market, and arm makers with arms twice this price must be “shakin’ in their boots.”
This package is rounded out with inclusion of the wonderful cork-rubber composite mat and the black Bren record weight.
The new Jelco 850S Tonearm
The Jelco 850S, new to the market in January 2018, is Jelco’s venture into higher end tonearms, but continuing their philosophy of exceptional value. Unlike their previous arms, this features a knife edge bearing made of superior steel which contributes to very stable and smooth operation. This knife edge is precision handmade and the result is very low friction. It features a universal headshell design and a counterweight that can account for cartridges in a very wide weight range. Like other Jelco arms, this leans on the side of being heavy in mass.
The included custom cable, sourced from the UK, is specifically designed for suspended decks. It features Mogami Mini Starquad Tonearm cable, an angled DIN connector and Starline RCAs. It also has dual grounding. I’ve been using this cable for two years on all of my Jelco arms; it’s an exceptional cable, and it’s included at this price! Most angled DIN tonearm cables made today are too thick/stiff for suspended decks.
The arm is mounted on a Vinyl Nirvana armboard, machined from solid aluminun. Brushed and anodized black.
I am a dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado. I would be happy to supply a cartridge for the turntable package. I can also mount a cartridge of your choice, if shipped to me, for $40.
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.
Recent Review
“Having been a reviewer for almost fifteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to hundreds of turntables and cartridges and only a handful left enough of an impression to warrant a purchase. So what does a jaded ex-reviewer who crossed over into the world of public relations listen to at home? Only two turntable brands grace my home. VPI and Vinyl Nirvana. My Thorens TD-160 Super [Reproduction] is a stunning piece of work and there are few that can match Dave’s dedication to perfection and customer service. He’s a mensch who goes the extra mile for his customers and it’s hard to imagine buying from anyone but him or the legendary Harry Weisfeld. Yeah, he’s that good.”
Ian White
Former Staff Writer – Digital Trends, SoundStage, TONEAudio, EnjoytheMusic, BigPictureBigSound & Audio360