Another Vintage Turntable Offering

Thorens TD-160 B MKII w/Rega RB-250 Tonearm

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.

This Week's Thorens TD-160 B MKII

The Thorens TD-160 MK II is one of the most eye-catching of the Thorens turntables. I have nicknamed this one my "Black Beauty." I just love the look of the RB-250 with the Black Metal base/plinth and the black felt mat. The MKII features an improved heavier base. (As you will read at www.theanalogdept.com, the heavier base takes this table to a new level.) The Rega and the heavier base bring this unit to a higher level of performance than the typical TD-160. Better pacing and stability, with a significant reduction in rumble.

On to the turntable...cosmetically, this table is an 8.5 on a scale of 1-10. (I'm a very hard rater.) The black metal base is in very good to excellent shape. The wooden trim below the metal has several areas showing wear. These could be left alone or touched up with paint. The metal plinth is fantastic shape. No significant cosmetic issues whatsoever. Lettering is vibrant.

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 TD-160B features no on-deck cueing lever because they were intended to have an arm added.

Two "extras" included: Three adjustable black chrome isolation cones and a new felt mat.

A photocopy of the owner's manual will be provided.

The Rega RB-250 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 stainless steel armboard. The tonearm and armboard are a $325 dollar value alone. Lastly, the original box and paperwork for the arm is included!

Cartridge Options

I would highly recommend the Ortofon OM-30 Super Cartridge. This OM-30 is a phenomenal music-maker, comparable in my opinion to the Shure V-15 series which has just been discontinued. The Shure sells for $285 at Needledoctor.com, but I have one left at the old price. I can mount and install the OM-30 for $205.

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.