Thorens TD147 Turntable

Bodgit

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Is this TT any good from yesteryear? One is being advertised with a Rotel tape deck, integrated amp and mission speakers for £450 local to me. A quick google looks to be promising but wondering if there are views on here. A good upgrade on my AR EB101? Comes with a Nagaoka MP 10 cartridge.
Thanks.
 

Andy Stephenson

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Anyone who pays £1500 for a TD147 is as mad as a box of frogs. One in good original condition would be £3-400 max.
I just had a look at the ads on eBay. There are four, all apparently fully refurbished with new plinths, all around £1500 from what looks like a dealer in Germany. It's the only for sale ones I found. They do look rather nice.
Worth it? I'm not sufficiently knowledgeable about Thorens TTs to know.

Andy
 

Rockchild

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I just had a look at the ads on eBay. There are four, all apparently fully refurbished with new plinths, all around £1500 from what looks like a dealer in Germany. It's the only for sale ones I found. They do look rather nice.
Worth it? I'm not sufficiently knowledgeable about Thorens TTs to know.

Andy
Those adverts are always there. You would be better off buying one of the new models. Yes they look nice but extremely expensive.
Back to the question tho. The 147 is basically an updated 160 and a sound turntable of its day and capable of some decent tunes. Condition is vital tho. If needing money spent, it could be a money pit and todays offerings could easily surpass it.
 

Bodgit

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Those adverts are always there. You would be better off buying one of the new models. Yes they look nice but extremely expensive.
Back to the question tho. The 147 is basically an updated 160 and a sound turntable of its day and capable of some decent tunes. Condition is vital tho. If needing money spent, it could be a money pit and todays offerings could easily surpass it.
Thanks for the info. So situation is, I have an AR EB101, but saw this TD147 advertised with Rotel integrated amp RA-820, tape deck RD-840 and Mission 700S speakers, for £450. Wondering if its worth taking a punt, perhaps offering £250 for the TT? Would it be much of an improvement on my EB101? The photo shows the belt has slipped off or is broken, so not currently working.
 

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It Cost How Much!?!

Twisted
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The 147 will be better than the AR, however as has been said it's a TD-160B with a Thorens (not very good) arm.

When new they were about 50% more than a 160.

They are never ever worth anywhere near 1500, more like 300-400 depending on condition.
 
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Rockchild

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Thanks for the info. So situation is, I have an AR EB101, but saw this TD147 advertised with Rotel integrated amp RA-820, tape deck RD-840 and Mission 700S speakers, for £450. Wondering if its worth taking a punt, perhaps offering £250 for the TT? Would it be much of an improvement on my EB101? The photo shows the belt has slipped off or is broken, so not currently working.
That’s a difficult one mate. Both decks were pretty good in their day, the advantage of the Thorens is there are loads of options and parts available unlike the AR but as a direct comparison, I can’t say. I’ve owned both over the years but it’s more a case of personal preference
 
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Bodgit

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That’s a difficult one mate. Both decks were pretty good in their day, the advantage of the Thorens is there are loads of options and parts available unlike the AR but as a direct comparison, I can’t say. I’ve owned both over the years but it’s more a case of personal preference
Thanks, so it seems it might be a bit better but not worth me "upgrading" to this Thorens deck if I simply want a nicer TT without spending £££ and without much fiddling.
 
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Rockchild

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Thanks, so it seems it might be a bit better but not worth me "upgrading" to this Thorens deck if I simply want a nicer TT without spending £££ and without much fiddling.
If your not adverse to thinking out the box, this is what I would consider

Your deck probably worth £200. The Thorens you were thinking of £250 so £450. Save the extra and go for a fit and forget Project Debut Pro. It’s a complete package and sounds so much better than it’s price suggests.
However, me coming from the charm of original designs, I can understand if you want to keep the charm of the oldies.

39577D28-135C-4A93-8621-33B039AFFBDE.jpeg
 
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