Another Turntable Offering: Very Nice Thorens TD-160 with Linn LVX Arm, $725 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 ddarch44)regarding sales of turntables. See our testimonial page.
This Week’s Thorens TD-160 w/Linn Basik LVX Arm
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 a solid 7.5 on a scale of 1-10. (I’m a hard rater.) The real wood veneer is in good shape with some small cosmetic issues. (See pics) On the left front corner on the bottom there is a slight “ding.” On the front rail, 2/3 of the way to the right, on the bottom, there is another slight ding. On the back left corner there is a larger ding, but it’s not noticeable from the front. Lastly, on the same left rail, there is some indenting from where it seems the platter rubbed. On the bright side, the metal portion of the plinth is in excellent condition, with no issues to report. Overall, the table was certainly never abused, but it does show its vintage.
In terms of upgrades, I have replaced the stock TP-16 tonearm with a restored Linn LVX using a custom Sound Supports armboard. (A $300 dollar value for the pair.) The arm is in excellent cosmetic condition, with slight wear on the post and on the headshell. I also replaced the stock AC plug with a hospital grade one. Likewise, the felt mat is new. Please note the dustcover is NOT stock, but a custom made one in the set-on style. It is also new.
The Bren Record Weight is available for an additional $60
Overall, this is a very nice table with a serious arm capable of handling a range of cartridges. (If I install the cartridge for you, 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. Lastly, I truly 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.
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.
