Cheap cartridge for a Thorens TT

Robbie,

I think an Elys would be OK, it depends on the arm on the TD-160. If it's a standard Thorens Arm, like a TP-16 or some such I wouldn't pay that much!

Old favourites for reasonable money are

• Ortofon OM5 or OM10
• Audio Technica AT91
• A Cheap Grado (Green ?)

One from this list should do the trick. Take a look at www.phonophono.de

Peter

[This message was edited by Peter Stockwell on THURSDAY 25 September 2003 at 12:35.]

i'd agree with the general feeling that audio technica carts are the way to go if you're on a budget.

the only thing i would say about them is that they have a tendency to be quite bright. a softer altenative would be one of the cheaper rega carts.

having tried both, i definitely prefer the ATs.

I have a Thorens TD321 turntable but AC adapter malfunction. Does the AC adapter output AC?
I have tried using a PC Notebook adapter and the tt works. Don't understand why adapter with DC output also works.

Regards,
Eric

As I recall (from being an ex TD321 owner)the AC adaptor pushes out 16 or 18v DC.

I have asked several persons, just by looking at those symbol on the adapter, they say it is AC output. So a technician is going to hand made one for me, just wonder if it will damage the turntable.

Have you considered the Roksan Chorus, its worth an audition!


Regards


NB

When I had my Thorens TD166Mk2 years ago, the MM cartridge I used that worked extremely well was the Grace F9E and/or the Nagoaka MP11 if on a budget. Do not know if you can still buy these new, but maybe a mint or near mint one can be had on eBay or similar for a good price.

Good Luck,

Thanks for the replies so far. Is the Thorens a dead end compared to say a Rega P3, or should I go directly to something like a Lp-12?
Budget inc. cart 450 pounds.

Regards,
Rob.

The Thorens is broadly comparable to a Planar 3 in performance (the Rega being slightly better IMO), however the LP12 would be a big upgrade.

Hi BLT,
You say 'The Thorens is broadly comparable to a Planar 3 in performance', do you mean Thorens TD160 in particular or Thorens in general?

Regards,
Eric.

Hi BLT,

IMHO the Planar 3 (old table I assume, not the new P3)is a better table (especially with the Rega P250 or P300 arm) than the Thorens. The LP12 is another major step up. Problem is that the Planar 3 and the Thorens and the LP12 all sound somewhat different. If you can, listen to the 3 tables (mindful of the many different permutations that they can come in (Rega and Linn inparticular)).

Cheers,

quote:

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Originally posted by Geofiz:
Hi BLT,

IMHO the Planar 3 (old table I assume, not the new P3)is a better table (especially with the Rega P250 or P300 arm) than the Thorens. The LP12 is another major step up. Problem is that the Planar 3 and the Thorens and the LP12 all sound somewhat different. If you can, listen to the 3 tables (mindful of the many different permutations that they can come in (Rega and Linn inparticular)).

Cheers,

---

I've owned 2 planar 3's and handful of Thorens in my time. The Thorens TD160 and variations are fine tables but usually are saddled with an unsatisfactory arm. They can be hotrodded in a number of ways and respond to setup in the same way that an LP12 does. LP12 is generally a better quality product than the TD150/160 but there as some higher quality tables in THorens range. A planar Three has few tweak options and as pointed out has a very good arm.

I've found both tables unsatisfactory over the long term, i.e. I've always wanted 'more' but more of different things depending on the table.

In summary I'd say a Thorens has a weightier sound than the Planar and that the Planar is a lighter on it's feet. Nowadays if I had to choose, I'd go with the Planar because there are virtually no tuning issues, whereas a Thorens, will go out of tune quit regularly.

Peter

The Thorens TD321 is very different in design to the TD160/150/166 etc. It uses leaf spring suspension for a start and has electronic motor speed control. I owned one in the mid-1980's (I got a good deal on one new), it had a Linn Basik LV-X tonearm and I used a Goldring G1040 cartridge. I compared it to a Planar 3 that a friend had and reckoned that there wasn't much in it, the Rega having less bass, but slightly better PRAT. I replaced it with an LP12, Ittok & ATF5 combination - it was much better in every way.

I've decided to buy a cheap Grado prestige black for the time being. Later on I'll be buying a better TT when funds allow.

Regards,
Rob.

quote:

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Originally posted by Robbie:
I've decided to buy a cheap Grado prestige black for the time being. Later on I'll be buying a better TT when funds allow.

Regards,
Rob.

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Nice choice, they have a good harmonic presentation.

Peter

Thanks, Peter.

Regards,
Rob.

Tonight I remove the old AT pickup from Thorens TD321/SME3009R and mount it to Planar 3, the thorens is much more better. Thorens sounds entirely different from my Exposure 2010 CDP and Planar 3 sounds like CDP. Planning to buy a Shure V15VxMR pickup and stageline. Currently, using Musical Fedility A120 for phono to drive the speaker.

I've put the Grado in the Thorens and I must say it's not bad . Altough not a premium cart it's very good, especially for the money.
So anyone looking for a cheap cartridge in a simple TT..

Regards,
Rob.