Vintage Thorens TD-160 Super w/ Upgraded Rega RB-250

Another Turntable Offering:

Stunning Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction w/ new upgraded Rega Tonearm, $1295 plus shipping St Patrick’s Day Sale, $100 Off, $1195 plus shipping

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.

Stunning Thorens TD-160 Super with Upgraded Rega Tonearm, $1295 plus shipping

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:

Along with the Thorens TD-125, the TD-160 Super is my favorite of the vintage Thorens.  The addition of factory damping and the beefier plinth/bottom really added to performance.   Remarkably stunning in looks and performance.

Cosmetically, this table is an solid 8.5 on a scale of 1-10.  The original Thorens plinth looks just stunning, with only the lightest scuff marks on the top edge where the dust cover rests.    The original dust cover with hinges is included. as well as the Bren record weight.  The platter with the mirror finish is available for $95 extra.

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 an Ortofon, Grado, and Dynavector dealer.

The Upgraded Rega (Michell) RB-250 Tonearm

Rega arms are continually hailed for their performance and value.  This used Rega RB-250, badged as Michell, is in excelllent cosmetic condition. In addition, it has been upgraded with an Isokinetic wiring kit, new wiring from headshell leads to RCA plugs. A major upgrade over the original RB-250 wiring. In addition, a metal stub and counterweight have been added. All in all, the upgraded arm plus armboard are valued at over $500.

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.