Hello. This is my very first review of any gear I owned and presently own. What prompted me to do this is because I cannot justify to my self why I waited so long to get a Teres. Mine is a Teres 160, I have limited funds to start with but knowing the trade-in policy of Teres, hoping someday I can afford the higher models. Note That I said “one day I can afford” the same TT but the better ones, because I have no intention, now or in the future to listen to my vinyl on a TT other than a Teres.
I used to own a very popular TT (VPI Scout w/ SDS) and was actually enjoying the sound coming from it. I used to participate on this forum and on others whenever there is a thread about the Scout and preach my experience and the joy this TT brings. Everything seems fine until my brother allowed me to listen to his Teres with the Origin Live Silver arm. After the very first album, I decided right there and then that I needed to upgrade. I own the same vinyl I just heard, I’m using the same cartridge as that of the Teres, I think my arm is better (JMW 10.5), I set-up my TT as religiously as he did and even had the same LP brush and cleaning regimen, but how come I hear music from the album I never heard before? How come the separation of each artist playing in the group with regards to their instruments were more delineated? How come you cannot hear the hiss in between songs? The turning lead-filled platter also hypnotized me.
After much reading and asking, I ordered the Teres 160 for 2 reasons. First, my budget can only afford up to this level and second, according to the Teres website and Chris Brady, this is a “great bang for the buck” table. I waited 2 months for my table because Chris had a problem with the platter supplier. I have no regrets. The anticipation for the Teres gave me free time to do other things like changing my preamp to the amazing TVC, and build a single driver based high efficiency speaker. On the 6th week, Chris was kind enough to send me the base first so I have something to do while waiting for the rest of the TT. From researching the web and from asking questions, I settled for the Origin Live Illustrious arm for my Teres. I think this is great match. I also opted for the battery power supply, which in my mind is a bargain at the price, its being offered and a must in this table. It should be a standard feature, in my opinion.
I do not know much about technical terms in audio but I will say that my Teres 160 exceeded my expectations. I thought since it was not the top of the line in the Teres line-up I will get like 80-90% of the sound I heard from the 255. I cannot quantify it but I think they are very close indeed. A better arm will off set the difference, I guess. In my three years on this hobby, this was the most satisfying upgrade I make. I cannot express how much I love this table specially when properly set-up the music improves day by day. Is there a break-in process upon turntables? I don’t know, but I guess the Teres’s bearing is settling and the tone arm wirings are breaking in. Did I mention, “I love this table”?
Lastly, I want to thank Chris Brady (Teres owner) for being patient with me during my waiting time, to be able to answer my numerous queries. To Oliver (Delve Audio) for a great deal given to me for my tone arm. To TWL, Dougdeacon and other proud owners of Teres TT for alleviating my pains when I was waiting for the table and for the valuable advice I received from you guys. I might be forgetting some more Teres owners who helped me along the way. I apologize. Most specially to my brother, Amandarae, for showing me the way, convincing me to sell my other table and pushing me hard to get this table and helping me during the set-up process (I still have your DB Systems). Thanks for bearing with me.
John Revilla (Doc Jr 8156)
