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Best Bang-4-Buck Thorens TT???

I'm keeping my eyes open for a semi-automatic TT for a second system. I like the Thorens line, and want to be prepared when the "right models" come up for sale. Will those with experience advise on which Thorens TT's offer the most for the $$$$ and why? Thanks Alot!!!
peter_s
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I had a Thorens TD-126 Mk3 back in the early-to-mid 1980's, and liked it a lot. I think it was either the best, or next to the best, model that Thorens offered at the time. If you can find a used one that's in good shape, it would be an excellent buy.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Many are good. I like the TD125mk2, TD150, TD160 can be had with SME tonearm which is nice.

The TD 125 had a very similar bearing to the EMT 928.

They are old, so be sure to check them out well.
dekay's avatar
dekay
2,959 posts
 
Well, to narrow it down a bit for you, of the decent vintage models there were only a few which offered auto lift and perhaps shut off (can't remember exactly).

TD145
TD145II
TD146 (not certain if there was a II)
TD147 (think their was also a special version)

The 145's had TP16 arms and the others came with something else.

The later inexpensive Thorens decks used a lot of cheesy plastic in the design and sounded like it.

I have been around all but the 147 and they were nice decks (equal in sound quality to all of the TD160's with the exception of the "Super").

I have used Thorens decks for 30 years.
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