Philips GA312 vs. Thorens TD166 mkII

[cr_hoesch]

Hi all. I'm considering buying a Thorens TD166 mkII off of CL (the posting is here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ele/3125602552.html). I've got a Philips 312 that's in pretty nice shape -- though it does have a grounding(?) hum problem that comes and goes and that I haven't been able to track down. The Philips works well most of the time, but I've always wanted a Thorens and this struck me as perhaps a good deal.

So the couple of questions I have are... Based on the ad, does it seem like it may be a fair price? And, as I think that this Thorens was one of their lower-end models at the time, would it be an upgrade from my Philips or more a lateral move? Would I be better off waiting for a higher-end model to come along? Thanks very much in advance for any sage advice you might offer

[rkay5]

Hi,
From the photos the TD166mkII looks very very good.If its all in prefect working order buy it.

[cr_hoesch]

Hi,
From the photos the TD166mkII looks very very good.If its all in prefect working order buy it.

Followed my heart and gut and your advice. Going back to pick it up on Saturday.

[raphaelmabo]

It is true that the TD166 was one of Thorens low-level models but Thorens low level was above many other turntable makers entry level. It is based upon the famous classic the TD160 (which isn't low level), but uses simpler materials. I believe you will be happy with it.

[cr_hoesch]

It is true that the TD166 was one of Thorens low-level models but Thorens low level was above many other turntable makers entry level. It is based upon the famous classic the TD160 (which isn't low level), but uses simpler materials. I believe you will be happy with it.

Most excellent. Thanks for the encouraging, informed input. I'm excited about my first foray into audiophile-quality gear... Even if at the lower end

[cr_hoesch]

Picked up the Thorens last weekend and -- as real life intruded a little more this week than normal -- finally got it unpacked and set up this morning. My ears aren't what they used to be, but I felt compelled to follow up just to say that I couldn't be happier. I'm hearing sounds in familiar tracks that I never knew were there. Very cool.

[cr_hoesch]

( Gee, I guess I'm going to need to change my avatar )

[smeg68]

I had a TD 166 MkII for about 18 years. They are good decks and can stand a bit of upgrading when the bug bites (as it always does). A simple upgrade is to purchase the metal subplatter and spindle from a TD 160 and substitute it for the plastic one originally fitted. Tightens the sound up no end, as does adding some damping (rubber pads, plastecene) inside the plinth. Also, remove the wooden bottom board completely, it causes reflections inside the plinth. Happy listening!

[raphaelmabo]

My ears aren't what they used to be, but I felt compelled to follow up just to say that I couldn't be happier. I'm hearing sounds in familiar tracks that I never knew were there. Very cool.

Nice to hear (!) you are happy with it. It is one of those classics that just keeps on going, still a "best buy" turntable even so many years after production ended.

[Mariogert]

It is true that the TD166 was one of Thorens low-level models but Thorens low level was above many other turntable makers entry level. It is based upon the famous classic the TD160 (which isn't low level), but uses simpler materials. I believe you will be happy with it.

It's the inner platter , made of plastic that makes the difference.Motors are the same. If you find a metal inner platter it's an improvement. The 166 arm is a bit simpler then the arm on a 160 or 145 but still very good.
A gem to use with this table is the Denon 103 series of carts.
Have fun with it and search the web for modifications towards damping etc.

Mario Gert

[gaslover]

On the grounding hum issue: Try pulling the mains plug and turning it around. Not kidding; one position will create more transformer nasties than the other.