Another Vintage Turntable Offering

Thorens TD-147 w/Rega RB-300 Tonearm and Dustcover

Why spend more to buy a refurbished Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

Buying vintage electronic equipment on eBay can be a gamble. To better your chances at winning, you want two things: 1) Plenty of information about the auction item; and 2) A seller you can trust. When a Thorens turntable is refurbished by Vinyl Nirvana, it undergoes a multi-step inspection and tuning regimen. Ask another seller of a Thorens table on Ebay these questions and see if you can get a response...

Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?

Is the spindle straight? Was the spindle cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?

Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?

Is the belt new or in near mint condition?

Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)

Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)

Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?

Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?

Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate? Is anti-skate functioning? Is appropriate tonearm weight installed?

Is cueing adjusted properly?

Were electrical connections cleaned and inspected? Headshell leads? Tonearm recepticle? RCA plugs? (Dirty connections can contribute to hum problems.) Are all connections tight? ( I use Dexoit products, highly recommended.)

Are transport screws intact? Are they functioning properly?

Are dust cover spindles intact and not stripped?

Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?

What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?

Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)

Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 33 and 45 rpm?

Was headshell inspected? Is the "sled" intact? (The sled allows for proper adjustment of overhang.) Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle? Do the prongs interface properly with the tonearm? Is the attachment to the tonearm strong and true?

Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?

Is the proper 45 rpm adaptor installed? (If it’s not a Thorens, an lp won’t sit flat on the platter.)

Is the proper mat installed? (If not, you may have difficulty playing 45s.)

Is the base intact? Are the rubber feet intact?

If a Thorens table fails to pass any of the above inspections, Vinyl Nirvana corrects the problem before it gets listed. If the turntable is unsellable due to too many defects, it becomes a parts unit to be used in the restoration of other Thorens units. In addition to this multi-step inspection, each turntable is thoroughly detailed with appropriate cleaners. The average cleaning takes up to two hours. Though the tables Vinyl Nirvana sells will vary cosmetically, they will always be clean. Can you trust Vinyl Nirvana as a seller? Please read our ebay feedback (username ddarch44)regarding sales of turntables. Notice references to item exactly as described. Notice references to excellent packing. Notice references to our service and committment after the sale. And, just for fun, read about our two negative feedbacks...it takes all kinds.

The Thorens TD-147

The Thorens TD-147 is the auto-shut-off version of the revered TD-160 Super. Some call it the "souped up" version of the TD-145. It features an improved platter bearing, a heavier base with factory-added damping, and an improved motor. It also features a dustcover with metal hinges that allow the cover to be left open at many different angles. When I heard my first TD-147 I was literally stunned by the performance upgrade over the typical TD145. Better pacing and stability, with a significant reduction in rumble.

On to the turntable...cosmetically, this table is an 7.0 on a scale of 1-10. (I'm a hard rater.) The real mahogany wood veneer is in good shape. There are three tiny nicks along the top edge, and one two inch imperfection on the front that could not be removed with mild cleansers. On the bottom left front corner there is a small area of wear. The MDF bottom has two "dings". (See the last two pics. Those dings are mainly BEHIND the table.) The metal plinth is in fair shape with several circular scratches that ARE visible with the platter in place. (I could not get them to show up in the pictures. Lettering is vibrant. The dust cover is in good condition, with many scuffs and light scratches. By the left hinge there is a one inch surface crack.

As outlined above, this unit passed a multi-step inspection and cleaning process. Anything that needed to be replaced, adjusted, or cleaned was accomplished. Again, note the 147 features a heavier MDF base. In addition, damping was factory installed to the base and under-plinth. This results in an incredibly low noise floor. All of these mods bring this table to a new level of play. PLEASE NOTE: In order to mount the Rega tonearm, the auto shut off and the original cueing were disabled. Also note I have installed a high quality bubble level to cover the tonearm holder's mounting holes, and I installed three adjustable black chrome isolation cones.

A photocopy of the owner's manual will be provided, as well as a brand new black felt mat.

The Rega RB-300 Tonearm

What can be said about this tonearm that hasn't already been written? It is simply one of the best selling and best sounding tonearms ever made in this price range. A perennial favorite in Stereophile magazine top components. It is THAT good. Period. This arm, though used, is in exceptional condition. I have mounted the arm on a custom made armboard expertly crafted by Soundsupports from military spec aluminum. The tonearm and armboard are a $325 dollar value alone.

Phono Cartridges

The asking price is with a lightly used Denon DL-80 high output Moving Coil cartridge. It is fully aligned. Set up for you will be incredibly easy. The DL-80 is roughly equal to the highly desireable DL-110. I would estimate it has less than 100 hours. It mates incredibly well with the Rega RB-300, as do other high output moving coils.

The Details

In regards to shipping, this table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. I prefer Fedex Ground. Lastly, I am truly not in this for the money. What I love best is introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the "superiority" of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to "move up." In that regard, I do what few sellers do...if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don't need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.

Some recent comments from buyers....

"Outstanding & dedicated craftsman. Helpful hints. Personal attention."

"The best! A great communicator who goes above and beyond in the service dept."

"If you want an excellent reconditioned vintage turntable, Dave's the Man! Thanks"

"When eBay was invented, nobody dreamed there'd be a seller as great as Dave!!"

Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.