Advice for a "new" turntable -- vintage fixer-upper

[marshaul]

Hello all! I haven't been on here in a while. I picked up a few new hobbies in the interval.

At any rate, I recently completed a cross-country move, during which my Dual CS-505 was completely totaled.

I'm looking to get a "new" used turntable, hopefully something of an upgrade from the Dual.

Only problem is, I'm on a budget of maybe $200 (less would be better).

The good news is that summer is coming up, and I'll have plenty of time (although still not much money).

With this in mind, I'd like to acquire something vintage (70s or 80s) which is in need of refurbishment. Preferably nothing too complicated -- I'm fine replacing belts or wiring, and refurbishing/rebuilding motors. I have a fair bit of mechanical and electrical aptitude.

I'm hoping that I can find something decent within my budget so long as I focus on stuff which is currently "broken" or in need of service.

So, anybody have any advice for where I should start looking? What models might be a good bet to start looking for? I really don't know squat about specific vintage turntable brands and models, aside from my late Dual.

[josephazannieri]

Yo marshaul:

I always liked the Thorens belt drive turntables. Since 1967, I have had 2 TD-150's and a TD-160. I still own one of the TD-150's which is now extensively modified, and I gave the TD-160 to my kid sister, who uses it in Boston.

The Thorens TD-150 and TD-160 turntables are very simple, and as long as motor is undamaged, they are a good basis for repair and modification. There is a lot of info on them, and when completed, they are very good. Lots of people work on these things, and there is a lot of info on them on this website, and Dave Archambault at Vinyl Nirvana has an enterprose refurbishing and repairing them. Check the website "vinyl nirvana" for lots of info.

I suggest this one, because it is cheap but motor appears to turn around.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-THORENS ... 35bb4b923e

You might want to check with owner and be sure motor shaft is straight and that arm is not damaged. If you look in Ebay for Thorens TD-150- and 160, you will find motor lube and belt kits from Joel Boutreux (joel-td), who has extensive knowledge and sells belts that are correct size, which is critical. The only disadvantage is that Thorens turntables don't play 78's, just 33 and 45.

Anyway, take a look at this one, it might be suitable. If it gets too high, just stop bidding. And good luck from that cheap old belt driver,

Joe Z.

[Van_Isle]

Since you just suffered a totaled turntable ... ebay may not be the best bet for you, unless you luck out on a local pickup.

Are you looking for something with that classic wood plinth look or ? I'd hit the garage sales and look for estate sales ... check out your local craigslist (search for record player as well as turntable and don't limit yourself to the electronics section).

Becoming a subscriber over at audiokarma.org ($25/yr) gives you access to bartertown. For example, right now there is a AR XB for sale, all cleaned up with new interconnects, new belt, and a new AT120E cartridge, with original box, from the original owner for $200. There's also quite a nice looking Yamaha YP-800 for $250. I think both of those are + shipping.

[marshaul]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

To be honest, I'm not too particular about its appearance. At this point I just want to be able to afford to listen to my records with decent quality again!

I'll definitely explore local avenues, although where I live now is mostly rural so I really have no idea how I'll fare there.

[marshaul]

What do you guys think about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THORENS-TD-104- ... 1409wt_982

Someone said on another forum that it's not the best due to lightweight plinth and platter, but I could see myself working on both over time.

Then again, here's a TD-160 for about the same price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorens-TD-160- ... 920wt_1215

But it lacks a head and shell. How much would I be looking at spending to replace those? How would I go about finding suitable replacements?

[marshaul]

Bumpity bump?

[KentT]

TD-160 headshells when you can find them are say, around $60. The TD-104 is a good turntable. The TD-160 is superior.

[Bran Kulez]

I have a Thorens TD 160 and 165. They are both very nice turntables. The 165 has a plastic sub-platter rather than metal and a slightly different anti-skate mechanism but they are essentially the same turntable.

I also have a Dual 510 which is similar to the one you have. It sounds great with a Shure V15 type 3 cartridge. There is one on ebay now with a Shure V15 type 3 cartridge with a buy-it-now for $99.00. The V15 alone is worth that price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-510-BELT-D ... 19d0b97698

[josephazannieri]

Yo marshaul:

One additional piece of advice on that TD-160 arm. KentT is right, the headshells are not easy to find. The headshells from the TP 13A arm will fit, physically, but the offset angle is wrong and they therefore do not work. You will need the black head for that arm with the offset mounting of the cartridge, NOT the straight silver headshell. If it were me, I'd pay more for one that already has a headshell, but if you are a gambler, and willing to wait for the correct TD 160 headshell to appear, then go for it.

And good luck from that risk aversive old guy,

Joe Z.