I've Left The Farm... ...Or Have I (Thorens TD 150 MK II AB)

[WOStantonCS100]

I've always admired Thorens tables, in general; so, when I got the chance to snap up a vintage TD 150 MK II AB for less than 10 pounds, I jumped.

It's not what I thought it would be in many ways. This is NOT a TD 124. Though I do appreciate it's simplicity, I'm kind of glad I only spent lunch money on it. For me to keep it, which I probably will, it's going to need some attention: a new wooden arm board to replace the original plastic arm board (yuk), a new plinth to replace the horrid little stock plinth (yuk), a motor controller a la the Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0 (or scrap the motor altogether for the Origin Live DC200/kit, a new tonearm to replace the stock one (the T3 is going back on a 1200), a new Thakker belt, much polishing... What they did get right was the platter/sub-platter combo. Even with no record mat and tapped with a screwdriver, there is NO ringing. Kudos. Nevertheless, I don't see the TD 150 supplanting the 1200s... ever. Just one man's tuppence. :)

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/IMG_5002_2.jpg

[Audio Al]

I got the chance to snap up a vintage TD 150 MK II AB for less than 10 pounds


Boy thats a bargain :eek:

[WOStantonCS100]

I got the chance to snap up a vintage TD 150 MK II AB for less than 10 pounds


Boy thats a bargain :eek:

Yes, indeed. It would have made no sense to walk away from that deal; not even for a "died in the wool" Techy fan boy like me.

[CornishPasty]

I don't think a parallel tracker and a sprung deck make good partners tbh. That arm looks like it weighs a ton for starters which is no good for a TD150. Have you tried it with a decent conventional tone arm?

[WOStantonCS100]

I don't think a parallel tracker and a sprung deck make good partners tbh. That arm looks like it weighs a ton for starters which is no good for a TD150. Have you tried it with a decent conventional tone arm?

Can't fathom using a decent conventional in place of a superb parallel tracker. Adjusting the (46 year old spring) suspension for the arm was quick and painless; no real issues there. I can get stiffer springs; but, since I've got the table balanced, I don't see the point. It does well in a "bounce test". The sound quality is certainly not one of my complaints. The problem is PRAT, which I believe a speed controller (and perhaps motor upgrade) would go a long way in getting closer to the ideal. My Technics have spoiled me in that they do PRAT so effortlessly, every single time I turn the dang things on. The Thorens is very close, indeed (much closer than the Rega P3 I auditioned years ago) and can be brought much closer, so I've heard/seen.

[CornishPasty]

I'm not making any criticism of your superb parallel tracker, rather that it might not be suitable for use on a sprung deck or visa versa. I used the term decent only in the context of a conventional arm and if your parallel tracker is superb then you'd need to use a decent conventional arm to make a meaningful comparison.
There are several reasons why I believe a parallel tracker isn't a good match with a sprung turntable which we can discuss later if you wish but my suggestion and that's all it was, was simply a reply to your dismissal of the Thorens turntable and nothing to do with your superb parallel tracker.
If you haven't tried the Thorens with a decent conventional arm then maybe you should just so you know.

[struth]

Found my thorens speed was bang on when i started using a regenerator. Think the 150 uses a synchronous motor so would benefit from it too...a steady 50hz etc

[WOStantonCS100]

I'm not making any criticism of your superb parallel tracker, rather that it might not be suitable for use on a sprung deck or visa versa. I used the term decent only in the context of a conventional arm and if your parallel tracker is superb then you'd need to use a decent conventional arm to make a meaningful comparison.
There are several reasons why I believe a parallel tracker isn't a good match with a sprung turntable which we can discuss later if you wish but my suggestion and that's all it was, was simply a reply to your dismissal of the Thorens turntable and nothing to do with your superb parallel tracker.
If you haven't tried the Thorens with a decent conventional arm then maybe you should just so you know.

I hope I didn't sound harsh in my reply; didn't mean to. No dismissal of the Thorens (or your opinions). This particular model (like any TT) has it's strengths and weaknesses. I have heard excellent pivoted arms on the TD 150 (some of which were not light weights). An air bearing parallel tracker is a different animal; a different sonic presentation, that I much prefer. One could provide a list of reasons why this arm shouldn't work as well; but, my ears are telling me otherwise. Again, my issue is with PRAT.


Found my thorens speed was bang on when i started using a regenerator. Think the 150 uses a synchronous motor so would benefit from it too...a steady 50hz etc

What are you using?

Yes, the 150 uses a synchronous motor. On this side of the pond I'd need a steady 60Hz. Glad to hear a regenerator did the trick. I'm also thinking that's what I need. I'm hoping the Cruise Control 2.0 will do that. If not, I will be looking into getting some type of regenerator to get that steady is a rock 120V/60Hz.

[struth]

Mine is a Powerinspired one. Very good for me. Gives me 230 volts rock solid as is the 50hz. Made a difference to everything but the thorens probably the biggest upgrade ive done lately....cheapest is the little srm tech sorbothane dots that isolate the outer to the innerplatter. For a few quid it really brings sonic improvements. I'd guess they would fit the150 too.

[drSM]

Hmm I too am delighted to be given, yes given, a TD150 II
Havent received it
It has the original arm ?TP14.
Is that worth maintaining?

What is the Powerinspired one? A motor?
Sorry for bumping in this thread?

[struth]

Hmm I too am delighted to be given, yes given, a TD150 II
Havent received it
It has the original arm ?TP14.
Is that worth maintaining?

What is the Powerinspired one? A motor?
Sorry for bumping in this thread?

Power inspired is a mains regenerator, outputting a steady supply instead of what the power company gives you. Much improves all equ especially TT's

[drSM]

What about the arm on the 150 Grant, TP14 I think
Must say I like the look of it.
Can I put a Denon 103R on it ?

[struth]

The tp14 is ok as an arm and may work with a 103. Gimbal bearing-ed and I think first came with a td 125 or something like that. The tp25 was good. Ive heard of folk using it with the denon.

[danilo]

Bought my 150ii new.
Works fine, even the original belt is holding up well.
Surprised by that, as I bought a spare belt and Arm pivot bearings with the machine.
Arm is OK, if passably maintained, still sounds better than most of my (surviving) friends' TT's.
Speed remains Dead accurate.. I have a Tachometer
But then Hydro power is 100% reliable/constant here on the west coast of Canada.
Every few years I read / see all the flavour of the month "mods' for the poor thing.
Mercifully, sloth and procrastination have prevented irreparable damage to the thing.

Had a 1200.. briefly, didn't like it much. So I happily disassembled it for bits .. which unsurprisingly, proved useless.

Have thought of a New arm.. this $2.19 DIY version appeals :-) One can remote mount it, doing No damage to the Thorens.. V nice.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/173861-my-latest-iteration-nanooks-219-tonearm.html

[struth]

I would certainly be getting a new belt. It may surprise you with the sonic improvement. Its not always about speed