Thorens TD-160

It does OK on LPs but compared directly with my aged Thorens TD160 it’s some way short. I also have a Rega Planar 2 for mono LPs (remember the mono system?). That’s a significant upgrade over the AT120, old model or new, but cheaper than the Planar 3 and, critically, less upgradeable.

You'll probably need a new belt - just google for Thorens TD160 mkII and you should be able to find one. Vinylengine will have service manuals and user manuals (requires login). If you can get a make and model of the cartridge, people here will tell you if it's worth getting a new stylus - probably yes, given the quality of the arm. People usually put good carts on good arms.

A table that could be fun to build into the ultimate table is a Thorens TD-160. There are a few different models (TD-160, TD-160 Super, TD-165, TD-166, TD-166 mk2). Any Thorens table before 1983 is generally very highly regarded. I just have the most experience with TD-160’s and I also know they can be had for under $500 if you’re lucky.

Just recently picked up this stunning heavily modified Thorens TD-160 with a Linn Basik Plus tonearm + Nagaoka MP-110. Whoever owned this before me did some serious work on it, blacking out the turntable with a black plinth and stealthy logoless black faceplate + of course tossing in the Linn tonearm that complements the overall aesthetic. The suspension might need a little tuning but overall it springs very nicely!.

I have a Nagaoka cartridge in my Thorens TD-160, and find it to be absolutely amazing for all types of music. I was prompted to buy it mainly by this video, which does some great A/B testing between the MP-150 (which is exactly $300 on Amazon right now) and the much-more-expensive Hana EL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oowfH1DllXI. I ended up doing a little more research and buying the MP-200, as I had a little more room in the budget; however, the MP-150 is supposed to be fantastic.

The TD160 with the right cartridge sounds better than pretty much anything you’ll find new under $1000 or so. I have a TD147 which is similar to the TD160. Put a nice cartridge with a microline or shibata stylus on there, and you’ll have a brilliant setup. Edit: It looks like you have an AT3600L on there.

You increase the chance of purchase from a responsible owner by carefully reading the listing to see if they are into HiFi too. My recommendation would be to do tons of research and then get a vintage fully manual turntable at deep discount prices. Even if something happens in shipping - the modder in you can do work on it. The turntable I own was originally a Thorens TD-160.