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Upgrade Opinions, Thorens vs VPI

I'm looking to possibly upgrade to a better turntable.

My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.

Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx 
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8

The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade. 

I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.

I am considering the following tables:

Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)

Rega RP8

VPI Classic 1 

Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.

I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.

Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.
helomech
turntablemat's avatar
turntablemat
33 posts
 
Welcome to the VPI family!

- Mat from VPI
bondmanp
1,465 posts
 
I would love to get your impressions of the Classic vs. the Thorens once you have had some time to evaluate it.  TIA.
helomech OP
766 posts
 
Thanks Mat!
raymonda
847 posts
 
Without the tonearm upgrade on the Thorens the VPI will wipe it clean. The single biggest improvement I had when I tricked out my 166 was a change from the stock arm to a Rega. That coupled with everything else I did made in one great sounding table. That doesn't mean it would sound better than a VPI Classic, though.

I would be totally happy with the VPI and I think you will be, too.
helomech OP
766 posts
 
I don't imagine the Classic will be sent back, but I think I'll likely keep the Thorens anyway and eventually it will get the Jelco arm, and end up in my second system. The Thorens paired well with my Epos Epics and Yamaha amp. 

My Pioneer will likely be sold, because even though its performance is great for the price, it doesn't have that belt drive "soul." 

So now I'll hijack my own thread and ask for cart recommendations for the Classic. 

I am leaning toward a Dynavector 10x5 since it's HOMC.

 I really do like the Phono stage in my Sphinx. Though I don't hold Stereophile reviews in real high esteem, they did describe the Sphinx's phono stage as "excellent." I'm weary about spending a huge sum (1k for my means) on a new phono stage for only a slight improvement. So for now, I'd like to stick with HOMC or MM carts.

I can confidently claim that my M97xe with SAS was definitely not the weak link in my Thorens set up. I wouldn't be surprised if anything in the  $500 range would be a lateral move. 

I also have a Clearaudio V2 MM, modded with a shibata stylus. I find it sounds too similar to digital, somewhat clinical.

This hobby kills the wallet, my girlfriend thinks I'm insane. 
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