Thorens headshell replacement

[RochaCullen]

I've recently acquired a TD160 that came with a stock TP16 arm. The arm is in great shape, but the headshell has a little bit of damage. I am thinking of swapping in a different headshell. Can anyone make any suggestions, or point out any problems I will face. The headshell is easy to remove, but looking at the pin sockets in the arm I think they might be a little close together to fit just any headshell. I'd like to keep the TP16 arm, hence the need for headshell replacement suggestions.

I am also going to mod the plinth by getting rid of (put into storage;)) the existing chip board surround and replace with a more solid version, perhaps plywood based. Into this I am going to add phono sockets and connect the arm direct, and an IEC Chassis Plug with Switch.

If anyone can think of any other simple mods, it would be appreciated.

Nathan

[The Grand Wazoo]

Hi,
There are plenty of cheap & simple things you can do.
Get a more solid baseboard for one thing and pull out the sponge foam from inside the suspension springs as a starting point. Spending a little more cash there are plenty of ways to damp the subchassis and kits to spiff up the main bearing are available.

If you haven't yet, then take a look at:

http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_dept_.htm
Probably the best resource for Thorens decks on the web

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/thorenstd150.html

http://www.retrohifi.co.uk/thorens_150.html
(about the 150, but there's much common ground)


Good luck

[The Vinyl Adventure]

I followed chris's and (I think it was one of the) daves pointers on stuff to do the 160 when I had on to great effect!

[The Grand Wazoo]

I followed chris's and (I think it was one of the) daves pointers on stuff to do the 160 when I had on to great effect!

Blimey Hamish, I'd forgotten that was you!

[The Vinyl Adventure]

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3505
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3510

while ago now I guess! I can tell you what I have picked up a lot of knowledge from this place since then!

[Si74]

I've had a nice TD 160 lying around for about two years.
Problem is it's missing the headshell and these normally go
on ebay for over twice what I paid for the whole deck!
Skip for it methinks.

[DSJR]

The arm is removable and SME, Linn and Rega plates are readily available, as well as not too expensive complete arms.

The TP16 isn't a bad arm you know, as long as the bearings are correctly set for zero play and low friction (difficult to achieve in practise, but I managed it) and the solid cast headshell will happily take the more robust mid priced cartridges (I'm thinking Stanton 681EEE mk3 or Pickering 625 etc and probably the AT120e and Shure 97Xe with damper).

I've typed loads of suggestions for fettling this old deck and hopefully the links above will point you there.

A new belt, modern mat (?) and souped up plinth should transform this deck for the better I think, as long as you don't expect techie performance from it..

[The Grand Wazoo]

Just to quilafy, I hope Dave doesn't mind........


......as long as you don't expect techie performance from it..

........as long as you don't expect heavily modified techie performance from it. For heavily modified read comparatively expensive.

[RochaCullen]

I've been speaking to a bloke recommended by stan for dust covers and other acrylic fare. As well as the dust cover I want him to cut me a piece of thin black acrylic to act as a replacement top plate. I want the top plate to fit snuggly inside the dust cover so it can keep the dust cover in place when fitted. I was wondering if you guys might have access to the schematics of the top plate. Once I have them I can pass them onto Andy at www.plasticonline.co.uk. so he can make me the top plate.

[DSJR]

Just to quilafy, I hope Dave doesn't mind........



........as long as you don't expect heavily modified techie performance from it. For heavily modified read comparatively expensive.

I don't mind at all. I have the 'lurgy at the moment and my thick brain is clogged up solid :(

The TD160/125 series Thorens decks do have a certain charm all their own, with a lighter and "fresher" balance lacking the "grunt" of a tricked out Techie or heavy NAS deck for example. Just take great care in setting the suspension (takes a little practise but it's achievable with care) and get the belt riding centrally in the guide (only adjust the motor screw as a last resort..