Thorens TD160. First turntable. First rebuild and modifications.

[jsmac]

Hi all,

In a day of firsts, this is my first post regarding the first turntable I've owned since the plastic one that I played with as a child.

I recently picked up a Thorens TD160 in really quite good condition but it still has the original power cable, DIN connector, etc. Basically, it looks as though it has sat on a shelf for 40 years and has been lovingly cared for and sporadically used.

I've had a scan through www.theanalogdept.com and read about the various modifications that can be done, however, I'd like to hear some opinions from you all about what I could/should do to start with. ie. should I replace the bottom plate? If so, what with? MDF? Plywood? I'm not afraid of a little DIY and pulling the turntable apart doesn't intimidate me (too much) but I don't have much of a workshop in my tiny London flat so I have to be realistic how much I can do.

Also, if anyone has any spares or bits and pieces kicking around in the bottom of a drawer that you think I could use then I'd happily take them off of your hands.

After all of that I can start thinking about a phono stage or an old amp with a couple of bookshelf speakers...

Thanks a lot.

Cheers,

Scott

 

[Bazzer]

Hi Mac

This is what I did to mine :-

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?90844-Thorens-TD-160&highlight=td+160

 

[Cable Monkey]

I don't have too much to offer beyond what theanalogdept.com suggests as upgrades except this. I spent a lot of time listening to mine before I upgraded it (an AR) and as a result I have a better appreciation of how it improved. I would confirm it is electically safe, swap the din to RCA's and get it into a working system.

 

[killie99]

here's what I did ...

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?84184-The-TD160-Upgrade

 

[themadlatvian]

Why upgrade it immediately? Set it up to play through a basic system and begin to learn about the joys of this fine TT.

Then start to tear it apart! ;-)

 

[Clubsport911]

Hi there.

I've got a TD160S and I've done quite a few bits to mine (BTW - good tips from other wammers).

Screened mains cable everywhere

Increased damping everywhere

External PSU for motor (AC)

Changed Mat

New oil - 10/40

Care on set up (position of wedge washers is key)

Of course, the (non Thorens) arm is extensively modified in it's own right but speaking of the TT, the biggest ever change made was the external PSU. I've owned mine since 1981 and I'm about to conduct some more "upgrades".

Even more damping to the inner platter

New Plinth

New PTFE thrist washer on main bearing

New PTFE thrust washer on motor

Consideration to new TT base

Good luck !

 

[themadlatvian]

Hi there.I've got a TD160S and I've done quite a few bits to mine (BTW - good tips from other wammers).

Screened mains cable everywhere

Increased damping everywhere

External PSU for motor (AC)

Changed Mat

New oil - 10/40

Care on set up (position of wedge washers is key)

Of course, the (non Thorens) arm is extensively modified in it's own right but speaking of the TT, the biggest ever change made was the external PSU. I've owned mine since 1981 and I'm about to conduct some more "upgrades".

Even more damping to the inner platter

New Plinth

New PTFE thrist washer on main bearing

New PTFE thrust washer on motor

Consideration to new TT base

Good luck !

You can't beat a good thrist washer!! ;-)

Long live Thorens.

:^

 

[jsmac]

Wow. Thanks everyone.

It sounds like to start with a 'less is more' approach may be the way forward. Get the turntable working, get it in a system and get a sense of how it sounds. And then start modifying it as necessary.

No doubt I will run into issues and have some questions along the way. Clearly, this forum is a place for advice and answers.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[killie99]

I'm sure I still have a few bits of the ded-sheet left over, I'd need to check to see if there is enough to do what I did but if you want it it's yours for the price of postage (it is quite heavy).

 

[jsmac]

Thanks, Stuart. That is a generous offer and genuinely appreciated.

I will happily take whatever you're offering to get me started. If you think there's enough and you're happy to let it go then I'll send some cash (and thanks) you way.

Cheers.

 

[jsmac]

This may not be the appropriate place to ask but while I have your attention I was wondering if anyone can point me towards a simple but decent amplifier that is contemporary with the TD160 that won't cost the earth. The number of options from the 1970s with wood veneer are somewhat bewildering to someone who only started looking into it a few days ago. The amp will only need to run a pair of bookshelf speakers (which, of course I'll need to buy as well) in my aforementioned tiny London flat.

The Sony TA-88 seems like a good option because of its small footprint but they don't seem too widely available.

Any other musings would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cable Monkey]

If you can get hold of a Leak Stereo 30 in working order it should work well and be in keeping with the turntable. Some of the old buffers here might also suggest the Armstrong 6 series? I am too young at 50. To me Germainium was one of the Jackson 5!

 

[jsmac]

Thanks, Cable Monkey.

The Leak amplifiers look like a good place to start. I'll keep a look out for the Stereo and Delta version. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Chris-_007]

Here's what I've done to mine

Thorens TD 160 Super...Dooper

Been working on a 160 Super for the last 6 months and just had the funds to finish it off. Thought I'd show it off
.
2mm Lead lined base on top of the std super base.
50mm x 90mm homemade ply plinth finished with American Black Walnut vaneer followed by 10 coats of gloss, lead lined on the inside with 2mm lead.
Both platters have been lined on the inside with vibration damping mat.
Vibration feet fitted,
Mission 774 has been drilled to allow for a wider range of carts and fitted with my DL110.
Lighting is a bit shite today, but here it is.
Sounds great!!
Click here to view the original image of 923x646px and 63KB.

 

[jsmac]

Chris, that is a handsome turntable.

What vibration feet did you use?

 

[Chris-_007]

Chris, that is a handsome turntable.What vibration feet did you use?

Hi Scott,

I can't remember the exact model. It's been a year now since the re-build, but I think they may have been these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-X-SORBOTHANE-40-MM-ISOLATION-HEMISPHERE-FEET-FOR-HI-FI-AND-TURNTABLE-/330992045507?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Speaker_Stands_Brackets&hash=item4d10a9cdc3

Good luck with the mods. I really enjoyed doing mine, it sounds great to my ears and won't be selling it.

 

[GJO]

Keep an eye out for a Rodgers A75 or A100,they seem to go for circa £100 if you can find one.

This may not be the appropriate place to ask but while I have your attention I was wondering if anyone can point me towards a simple but decent amplifier that is contemporary with the TD160 that won't cost the earth. The number of options from the 1970s with wood veneer are somewhat bewildering to someone who only started looking into it a few days ago. The amp will only need to run a pair of bookshelf speakers (which, of course I'll need to buy as well) in my aforementioned tiny London flat. The Sony TA-88 seems like a good option because of its small footprint but they don't seem too widely available.

Any other musings would be greatly appreciated.

 

[themadlatvian]

If you want a really good vintage option for an amp you could try and find a Yamaha from the 70s, such as the CA810 or 610, even the magnificent CA-1000. Beautifully made, excellent sound and built into real wood cases.

:^

 

[stewartwen]

Excellent choice John!!!