Cheers. Have enjoyed bringing it to life and have learned a little bit in the process.My father in law is coming tomorrow and is looking forward to seeing it. He was a Linn owner for a long time and remembers Thorens players. He’s intrigued and is looking forward to seeing and hearing it.His first speakers were speaker units in tea chests and he began with a Garrard. It’s nice to listen to him about his hifi interest and history. He gifted me most of his vinyl a few years ago. This is why I won’t totally leave it behind.It’s great to see a fishie friend enjoying it.
Good luck with the job interview.
I must say, you certainly don't hang about, Del. Looks lovely, too!
I owned that tuner as well and have similar memories of its sound!Well. I’m now having a good listen. I’ve plugged the Thorens into the Project S2 and set the dip switches to suit the cartridge. The first thing that strikes me is the generosity of soundstage. A full, broad sound with width and depth. The cartridge is a surprise. Nice detail in the mids, a bright brassy treble and textured bass. I’m particularly impressed with percussion. You can hear the tight skin of the drums. Voices are nicely present. I’m intrigued.
The Clearaudio in comparison is cool in sound. It lacks the extra warmth that the Thorens brings. It reminds me of the Yamaha CT 1010 fm tuner I used to own and enjoy.
I’ve still some bits to do but the initial push was to get it going.
Next week I’ll add the anti skating weights and get that right. I’d also like to solder a longer earth wire.
Another thing would be to refurbish the lid. I’d like to get rid of the light scratches. And hinges, though this may be challenging.
My initial feeling is that this is going to be a very satisfying replacement and will keep me in invested and enthralled when I wish to listen to my vinyl.
Thanks.The hinges on the lid need replacement.I must say, you certainly don't hang about, Del. Looks lovely, too!
Regarding dust cover restoration, look no further than Novus Plastic Polish, which comes highly recommended from plastics fabricators. They offer three individual products, available as a kit or separately. Their No. 2 Fine Scratch Remover generally does the trick. If in really bad shape then it is No. 3 Medium Scratch Remover, followed up with the No. 2 to take down the fine swirl marks left by No. 3. These aren't the cheapest, but a little 8oz bottle goes a long way. Great for car headlamps, plastic lenses, visors, all kinds of things.
BTW, is it the hinge(s) on the lid, or on the plinth that need replacing?
Ordered the Novus. Thank you for the tip.I must say, you certainly don't hang about, Del. Looks lovely, too!
Regarding dust cover restoration, look no further than Novus Plastic Polish, which comes highly recommended from plastics fabricators. They offer three individual products, available as a kit or separately. Their No. 2 Fine Scratch Remover generally does the trick. If in really bad shape then it is No. 3 Medium Scratch Remover, followed up with the No. 2 to take down the fine swirl marks left by No. 3. These aren't the cheapest, but a little 8oz bottle goes a long way. Great for car headlamps, plastic lenses, visors, all kinds of things.
BTW, is it the hinge(s) on the lid, or on the plinth that need replacing?
Yeah get used to it as is for a while, get a feel for the strengths and weaknesses, maybe try another cart or two, then look at the common mods.I’d probably listen to it and enjoy it for a while before changing anything.
Sounds like you have a lovely deck there
Seems to get a bit of a mixed reaction, I thought it was a pretty nice cart and good vfm, it and the blue get put on Techy decks a lot as starters so wanted to try one on my GR.Yes I agree. I’d worry about dampening the life out of the sound. I’ve got a Goldring 1042 that I could try and a cork mat to play with.Otherwise, very enjoyable indeed.
The Ortofon is fun Gus.
Nice TT @Del monaco.
Your thread brings back some memories for me. I had a Thorens TD 166 Mk II just like yours for over twenty years. It was my first decent TT, and I rather wish I hadn't sold it. I somehow managed to wreck the Thorens tonearm after two or three years - I seem to remember it being a bit fiddly to change carts and set up properly? - and ended up fitting an SME 3009 Series II in its place, which I thought at the time was an improvement and a good visual match too. I wish I still had the SME too!
Good luck with your restoration and I hope you enjoy it!