Excellent video. I have had a TD-160 since 1974 & it is still performing as well as when it was new. The drive belt is the original & to my ears ( 74yo ) seems to perform as new. I have oiled the bearing shaft only once. I can only say that i am rapt with the sound & performance of this unit & i was recently offered in excess of A$1000, but would not part with it,for any price. My other HI-FI equipment is Sansui Tu-417 Stereo Tuner / Denon DCD-510 AE Compact Disc Player Rotel RA-10 Amplifier / Jensen SPX-5 Speakers. All these seem to complment the turntable's performance.

Brilliant this helped me out a lot....i have a 160 and was offered a 165 today and didnt know the difference until now.... many thanks!!!

Incredibly informative and concise. Thank you for posting.

The TP-16 is actually quite a nice arm, quite rigid with a low resonant signature. It was comparable in sound quality to the SME's at the time, in fact the SME has more slop and play in it's head shell and arm bearings. But the TP-16's appearance was rather drab which is why audiophiles with money chose the sexy looking well machined SME arm. Back in 1974 nothing beat a Thorens TD-125 with SME for audiophile panache and drool factor. It was THE quintessential audiophile turntable until the Linn Sondek cult knocked it off it's perch.

Wow...my very first turntable. I had an Ortofon cartridge on that. Can't believe you still have it. I bought mine somewhere between '80 & '82. Very clean & quiet sounding turntable.

I had a 165 new out of box back in the 70s. I loved that thing. Pretty sure I was the only one in town who owned one. They were not all that common in our area.

I found a TD-165 on my parents attic. I can keep it, trying to find out more about it and this was helpful

Personally I like the TP 11 more than the TP16, finding the "pendulum" more effective,and pleasingly simple.With a bit of tweaking these decks sing like songbirds!!

There is another feature of the TP16 arm concerning the anti skating. The TP11 has a connected (wired) system while the TP16 arm has a "wireless" magnetic anti skating, so the is less friction.

Nicely done very informative

Great learning curve for me very comprehensive review..of both turntables. Deffanatly made my mind up to which deck ill be looking for.. Looking in from mallorca spain..

Recently picked up a decent 160 with TP16 arm and Shure M75ED. It's a pretty good turntable to add to my collection, ranks somewhere around the same as Ariston RD11 in sound. Nowhere near my Roksan/Tabriz-Zi but then I only paid about £75 for it. I bought it out of nostalgia as I always hankered after one when I was young but couldn't afford one! I can recommend anyone to get one as they are pretty bulletproof and spares are plentiful...and sound great for the price

I had a TD160 for many years, it was excellent, but I really wanted something that could play 78s as well so it had to go (sadly). You mentioned the clutch in the drive pulley, my understanding was that it allowed the motor to come up to full speed straight away without putting undue strain on the motor or the drive belt.

The Difference in tone arm adjustment is based on different concept of balancing: TD165 (TD166)/TP11 uses gravity for stylus weight and anti skating adjustment, meaning that the tonearm is slightly unbalances to provide the required force TD160 /TP16 uses a perfect arm gravity balance to zero force and then uses a spring and magnetic elements to generate the required forces. The benefit of the second method that it provide maximal external force cancelations due to acoustic waves (feedback), while the first method provide only great attenuation of such forces. In fact the TD160 tone arm will function correctly at any position of the unit, even when it is positioned vertically, as you can see in the following link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y3agssaScq-tkdY.html

Thanks for posting this. Nice to hear an expert talk about these. I just picked up a TD 166 in pretty good condition (operates very smoothly). The only problem with it is that the dust cover falls off if you open it all the way, because the plastic is broken beneath the holes for the hinges, so I guess I need a new dust cover. Any points on this, as well as on how to treat the metal surface and wood veneer?

I just inherited a TD 165 with a Stanton 681 EEE cartridge. When I plugged in it for the first time, lifted the tone arm there was a loud hum. Not having many choices in my back-ups, I installed an Ortofon and the loud hum went away but there is still a slight hum. Also, I've never seen a a set up quite like this to adjust the weight and the anti-skating. I played around the the counter balances and it think I must be close to having it set up correctly as it's tracking fine and sounds like it should. If you could tell me how to set it up, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Is the metal TD-160 45 adapter compatible with the TD-165 resin inner platter. I have heard that the plastic 45 adapter will work for both but that the metal one does not fully recess in the TD-165 resin well. Is this true? Thank you.

Great video. I just picked up a TD 165 for $299. It is in excellent condition ans has a new Grado blue cart. I will look again at the metal on the top plate, but I think it is relatively scuff free. A have one problem so far which is the spindle fits some records too tightly. I almost damaged one of my records, and was worried about tourqing the suspension as I was removing the revord. Any advice would be great! Thanks

I purchased a 160 back in 1976 .....and later added a stanton 681eee. As a kid, this was dream come true..... my own hi end stereo with the sexiest TT on the planet... I loved it!! Truth be told, these tt's were really never that good sonically, as I found out when I later compared it with a linn sondek and could not believe the difference in sound Q. Compared to the gorgeous looks of the 160, the linn was beyond ugly.... but the sound was breathtaking as the inventor from Scotland changed TT design by proving that rigid platforms, power supply, tone arm mass, etc mad a huge difference. just saying......

@antigen4

6 жыл бұрын

same - though i had a grace arm on mine and a fidelity research cartridge - my first TT at age 13

More videos like this, please :)

Anyone have a video showing how to replace the face plate on a TD-165? I have one with a scratched face and want to order a replacement from ebay or refinish/repaint the one I have which has quite a few surface marks...

Hi Again! I'm getting paralysis my over analysis on the cartridge for a TD-165. I have the TP-11 I tonearm. I will eventually move up to a better table but am concerned in spending a lot of money on a cart that will not move to the next table. The TP-11 I requires a heavy cart. Will I be buying a cart that will not have much use across the board? As far as carts do you have a recommendation? Thanks in advance!

THORENS é prestígio de alta fidelidade e altíssima qualidade preço excelente oportunidade comprar THORENS TD vintage impecável maravilhosa Máquina intemporal

Congratulations for the excellent video. Please, can you tell me wich the best cartiridge for TD 166 with TP 11? I like to hear jazz, blues, classic rock. Thank you!

Good video. I have an old TD-160 that I bought off of a fellow about 20 yrs ago. I never used it. I have recently decided to take it out of storage, and see if I can get it running. I suspect I would need a new needle. One thing I'm not sure of is what drives the choice of an MM vs MC cartridge? Is it solely based on preamp, table, etc? Any help or links to help would be greatly appreciated.

Wat een godsgruwelijk mooie draaitafel.

I have the opportunity to buy a DT160 for about 100$ in mint condition, except for a tiny crack in the dust cover. How does these Turntables compare to others in its class?.

nice! thank you.

Hi Dave, I have the 165 model but the motor no longer works. Do you know if its possible to have it repaired or pick up a reconditioned one, and where I might source it, thanks.

Great video, as always ! I think that some late td-165 came with a 7mm bearing! (I'm not sure. correct me if i'm wrong!

My 1973 TD-165 has a metal motor pulley. Was this a user upgrade, or Thorens using up left over parts from the 150?

Hi, i bought one last., A td 160. I AM wondering if it is oké to use the player without adapter ?, The rubber isn''t original and the round sparing is to small to get the adapter thrue the rubber.

Can you show us how to calibrate correctly thonearm and cartridge

I had a TD 160c for several years. You forgot to mention that the anti skating on it was a frictionless magnetic system.

How do you feel about the older Dual Turntables?

Hi Dave I have a TD 135. It works great but has an audible electrical hum. It has (RCA) phono leads and no ground. I have A/Bd with my Dual 1219 through the same amp and old Luxman and the Dual is quiet, so it is not the amp. Do you have any suggestion of what might be causing this hum and how to fix this? Thanks

@inkedbuddhist5220

7 жыл бұрын

I'd take a look at the wires from the headshell to make sure they are all attached & CLEAN. If they are loose or dirty clean/tighten and that should take care of the problem. You could also verify the ground; If I remember correctly, Thorens used the right RCA as the ground. To check this you are going to have to turn the TT over on it's top to get to the bottom. Please make sure the arm is snapped into the holder so it doesn't move. Also, you should remove the platter. You don't want to ruin anything, OK? Take a multi meter to verify ground has continuity thoughout. You can search through KZread or Google on how to do this. While there I'd ensure all ground are connected; Thorens used a star ground system so there are a few. If everything checks out you could try adding a separate ground, but I don't think it will be required as I'm confident you will find the culprit with those few easy steps.

Hi Are the outer platters the same? I have a TD-165 I bought without the platter. I have my eye on the platter from a 160. Thanx!

@ddarch88

8 жыл бұрын

close enough, vary by a few ounces but fit is the same

@bearllly1

8 жыл бұрын

+wrbear My bad. The video would not play before I asked and now it does.

I do know that the metal 45 adapter on a 160 wont fit a 165. Its a tad too tall and if you leave it in all the time it raises an lp too high to contact the platter/mat. Vinyl Nirvana Rules!

One record Plyar gave me Thanks sir

How does the TD 160 perform in comparison to todays turntables in the $1500 range?

What is the best replacement tonearm for Thorens 160

hi there. just got a used td165 last night 29 jan. its in ok condition just that the spindle has rust and its quite tough to load a record on the platter. gotta really push down on the record hard. do you have a suggestion to solve the rust issue? can i just use cape cod and buff the rust away? tq

Think I messed up the suspension on my td160. Can anyone help to explain how to reset? Thanks

what is anti skating action??i have a 160 from my dad and i am gathering information...

how did u remove the dust cover so effortlessly? mine seems to be stuck and impossible to take off though it open and closes easily

Hi Dave, thank you for all your great videos. I've got a TD-160 my self, but i've got a problem, the inside top of the platter is touching the tall screw near the motor when i play a record, it rubs against it and make a metal noise. It seems like the suspensions are too low on the side of the motor but i don't know what to do…. Could you give me any advices? Many thanks

@keithb6717

4 жыл бұрын

You can buy new springs and restore it or cheat and put a ball bearing under the spindle.

Hi. I have some questions. Ive got to conect this thorens to an pre- amp?

@stuartmcgill2731

5 жыл бұрын

Both the td160 and td165 require a phono stage to lift the output to a usable level. This could be built into your amp, the give away is an input marked phono, or a separate unit.

Little late to arrive but I have a problem. My 160 turntable is not connecting cleanly with the left speaker. I want to troubleshoot but I don't want go down the wrong path and waste time and maybe ruin something. Don't know if it is the wire to the amp or something wrong in the head. Any tips on how I should proceed? Thanks.

@ddarch88

4 жыл бұрын

Rca plugs 90% of time

@grandtrunkhotel

4 жыл бұрын

@@ddarch88 Thanks. I'll start with replacing them. Hope so.

Dave at VN I am interested in your Thorens TT!

@vinylnirvana

14 күн бұрын

Contact me at the website

Hi there Dave, thanks for the comparison video. Do you know anything about the TD165 SPECIAL? I've looked around the Web and found very little at all about the 'special' version.

@ddarch88

9 жыл бұрын

assistantto007 Heard of it, but never seen one.

My td160 Jas a black arm on it and a small shell. Why?

Can i use the subplatter from the Thorens TD 160 on a Thorens TD 165?

@DaveArchambault-VN

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, but you may have to adjust the suspension for the extra weight. Also, the 45 adapters are different for each platter.

@theaudiosenseinl

2 жыл бұрын

@@DaveArchambault-VN That makes sense. Adjusting the suspension is no problem. It might even be of some help as well for the pressure weight i also use. And i actually have both 45 adapters but i hardly never play singles anyway. But of course the aluminium adapter would also be nicer to use instead of the plastic adapter. I mean: it i want to use metal then use metal all the way… 😉

I have just purchased a TD 160 and I'm waiting for it to arrive, fingers crossed its a good un.

@stuartmcgill2731

5 жыл бұрын

I've owned a td160s with a mission arm and a&r p77 cartridge since 1985 and can't praise it enough. One thing to check is the platter mat, some came without the centre cut out and do not in my opinion sound as good as those with the cut out. They also mean that the 45 single adaptor cannot be stored in the platter. I would also suggest the best phono stage that you can afford or is appropriate for your amp to get the best from the td160. I hope that you TD160 gives you years of service and as much pleasure as mine has me.

No video about motors and mechanics from bottom view

Hi!! Good video in the sense Im looking to sell a TD-165 in excellent condition. I've no idea on price....obviously looked on all the usual selling channels and it differs between £145 GBP thru to £500 GBP so of course I'm stumped. If anyone with some knowledge of these tables can help i old greatly appreciate it. I'm based about 40 minutes from London, UK. Cheers!!

How does the 125 mk II compare to the 160, assuming both are in good condition?

@ddarch88

9 жыл бұрын

margaretsville A LOT more that can go wrong on a 125. 160 is simple. In most cases, the TD-125 and TD-125 MKII WILL need service almost automatically, unless the seller says it's been updated.

Whats a good used turntable for around $1500

@ddarch88

9 жыл бұрын

Google Vinyl Nirvana and you can see my restored and customized tables in that range.

@bscepter

5 жыл бұрын

You can get a Linn Sondek LP12 for that. Many consider it the best vintage TT in that range.

@keithb6717

4 жыл бұрын

Music Hall 7.2. Thorens are bouncy, arms mediocre.

i just bought 165

After a friend blew my mind spending $5k on a turntable I decided to bring my beloved TD160 out of moth balls. I put on a new Nagaoka MP200 cartridge and it sounds pretty good but there seems to be an issue with the anti skating. No matter how I adjust it the arm either goes to the center when on a blank record,. Then when I use the arm lift it rapidly goes to the outside edge. It never did this before during my frisky college days. I'm looking for someone to send it to for "tuning", or at least some advice.

@ddarch88

2 жыл бұрын

I no longer work on those models. I would recommend asking for someone to service it on the website audio karma

@craiggould2882

2 жыл бұрын

@@ddarch88 thanks!