[drphoto]

Ok, a guy gave me a Thorens TD-145 w/ a Shure V15 MkIV. Now that I'm back to tubes (and loving it) I'm thinking of giving vinyl a spin too.

Problem is, the thing sounds far worse than my Stan Warren digital setup. It's what? 30 years old and still has the crummy hardwired IC's. Would installing decent RCA jacks to allow good IC's and maybe an upgrade power cord?

It needs a new belt....where to get? I hear there are problems getting the correct size from ebay vendors.

The tonearm lift doesn't want to say in the down position, last time I tried it, I had to duct tape the switch. Is there a way to fix it?

Should I just give up on it? What's a good entry level table and arm? Love to have an LP-12 or Sota Sapphire, but they sell for an arm and a leg.

Is the Shure cart to blame? Are there better choices?

Finally, is there a way to clean records that works w/out spending hundreds on a vacuum type cleaner?

Sorry, lot of questions.

[drphoto]

I just saw the cleaning sticky, so nevermind on that one!

[drphoto]

What about this?  Looks nice to me. Be a good nostalgia piece as my very first audio purchase was one of these. Price is doable.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1278388095&/Thorens-Td165upgrade-Tp-11-Tonearm

[drphoto]

Ok, I pulled the table out again and hooked it up to the new tube pre. Sounded compressed and small soundstage on the first track I played, side one of Live from Mars. Tried side two w/ the cover of 'Sexual Healing'. I remembered the pre inverts phase so I swapped the inputs. Better soundstage. Still sounds a bit compressed. I like it though, there's some potential here.

[Scottdazzle]

This is a confusing series of posts. Drphoto, why don't you tell us exactly what you have and what it's connected to.  That way maybe someone can give you some good advice. 

[drphoto]

Sorry for the confusion. Stock TD-145 w/ the Shure V-15IV. Sits on an isolation platform on a DIY flexi rack. Pre is hot rod Mapletree Ultra 4SE>Sonny(Truan's) latest IC>Stratos Monos>Reality cables>Merlin TSM-MMe plus dual GR OB servos subs and a Mirage sub (the Geddes multiple sub thing)

That help any?

My main questions are 1) where to get a belt 2)how to fix the arm lifter 3) should I look for another cart?

Main complaint. Sounds 'smaller' and more compressed than my digital rig. Smooth though. I like it

I think that one on AG looks sweet, but obviously would be nice to fix what I have than buy something else.

[orthobiz]

Pics!!!!

Paul

[Scottdazzle]

Okay. It is essential that you replace the belt before drawing any conclusions about the sound of the table.You can get a belt at lpgear.com, qaudio.com, or kabusa.com.

I am no fan of Shure cartridges but the belt is the more immediate problem -- as long as there isn't any surface noise on records you know to be quiet pressings.  Shures tend to the bland, two-dimensional end of the spectrum.

If you have a concrete floor, try the table on any solid surface. The table is designed for the base to be as rock solid as possible. Flexible bases under the Thorens springy suspension can add all sorts of anomalies and resonances.

Good luck and check back with your findings.

[drphoto]

What do you recommend as a decent entry level cart?

Also, any thoughts on how to fix the lift mechanism, or a source for Thorens repair info?

I don't seem to have any issues w/ rumble or anything like that even running 3 subs.

thanks for the help.

[drphoto]

BTW: I know the cart question is a can of worms. The Shure, or at least the whole combo, sounds a bit brittle and flat. I'm dabbling in vinyl as I want lush. I've got a very good digital rig for accurate sound. I want the vinyl for music coated in a honey glaze and a blown up soundstage. I want the exact opposite of digital sound....does that make any sense? It doesn't have to be perfect, as long as it's fun. That way, I figure, I can have the best of both worlds.

I love the whole idea of vinyl. The look of the table, the big album covers, the memories it brings back. My very first audio purchase, when I was 15 was a Thorens TD-165. The first time I heard real high end audio in college, the guy had a Linn LP12 and he said the table made the system.

So what's a nice warm, hopefully good soundstaging cart that won't break the bank. $200 tops. Is that possible? If not, I'm bailing on this whole project now.

I could eventually see having 3 sources, my existing Stan Warren DAC for DVD concert vids, purchasing a Tranquility DAC for computer audio, and vinyl for times when I just want, well romance. (yeah, that sounds sort of 'girly')

Sorry I'm rambling.....

[drphoto]

more rambling. Obviously software matters. The 'thin' sound came from Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On". Pink Floyd's reissued 200 gm LP sounded really good. Poor low end resolution compared to the digital (I can live with that) but the rest was pretty sweet. I don't think this table has any resonance issues. I had it cranked.

Still like to ramp up the 'warmth' factor. I mean, I'm looking for over the top vintage sound.

[Scottdazzle]

If you want lush and beautiful like you say, a Denon DL-160 high output moving coil should do the trick for you in your price range.
You can get info on tonearm lifters by downloading a copy of the service manual.  I'd try the same websites plus vinyl engine. 

[drphoto]

Scott, thanks for your help. I am truly lost when it comes to the vinyl thing.

Still can't locate any info on repairing the lift. I went to one site that supposedly had the repair manuals, but they came up blank on download.

Anyone have any thoughts on new entry level tables like the Rega P1 or P2 or even the new (relatively) low priced Sota? I know people love the Technics SP1200, but I just can't get past the look. Sorry just too "DJ" for me. I want the classic style.

Again, I'm not looking for absolute fidelity. I want over the top, old school warm lush sound and classic looks. This is a nostalgia trip, not a quest for audio perfection.

Thanks for putting up w/ my rambling thread.

[ronpod]

The TD145 is virtually a TD160 with the addition of a lifting device. The tables can be greatly modded to improve performance. But the basic problems need sorting out first. Have you visited The Analog Dept website?

http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_dept_.htm

It has Thorens info that should be useful to you, particularly if you enjoy tinkering with your audio.