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Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19

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Posted on September 19, 2014 at 10:09:29
Pappas3278
Audiophile

Posts: 206
Location: NYC
Joined: March 12, 2007
I'm actually very happy with my td160 with rb300 arm at the present time. They have both been modded pretty well and I really love what I'm hearing.

Why then have I been thinking about acquiring this old VPI? Would this be a lateral move, upgrade wise or would it be a significant step-up?

 

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RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 19, 2014 at 11:02:37
Depends, and not just for the incontinent.

HW-19 MK IV with the lead/acrylic platter/SAMA/etc., and an Audio Technica 1005 arm handily beat a TD-125 according to a panel a few years ago. Same cartridge.

I would expect a Jr. or even MK III stock would be pretty even with that same Rega arm.

That MK IV with JMW 9T and the newish solid dampers replacement for the springs took it close to Classic territory.

 

RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 20, 2014 at 08:11:28
Grinnell
Audiophile

Posts: 708
Location: Front Range
Joined: December 23, 2007
When i was looking for a TT i looked at Thorens and VPI among others. I wasn't able to test either but after much research I went with the VPI. I got a mk IV and I got it because it was a highly respected TT and I could work on it if I had to like replace motor, or even mod it. And VPI has excellent customer support even for old used TT. They have answered questions very quickly

 

RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 20, 2014 at 18:34:53
ddarch
Dealer

Posts: 1255
Joined: February 21, 2002
What panel? Do you have a link? Was the 125 restored? Both with same arm?

 

RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 20, 2014 at 19:25:32
Geary Lyons
Audiophile

Posts: 231
Location: Lincoln, California
Joined: April 10, 2007
I have a TD150 and a TD160. My HW19 MkIII is better in every critical comparison. I love my TD's but, for what they were historically. Mated with my Scott 299C, the TD's make for a nice vintage rig.

Cheers,
Geary

 

RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 20, 2014 at 20:13:10
mcdonald43
Audiophile

Posts: 212
Joined: November 21, 2009
I had a HW-19 Mk.II, and heard several others, and highly recommend it for value.

 

Thanks for your opinions! (nt), posted on September 21, 2014 at 06:04:28
Pappas3278
Audiophile

Posts: 206
Location: NYC
Joined: March 12, 2007
NT

 

RE: Thorens TD160 or VPI HW-19, posted on September 22, 2014 at 18:08:59
countertenor
Audiophile

Posts: 28
Location: Cincinnati,Ohio
Joined: May 22, 2009
I have had a Thorens TD166 mkII and I h a HMW19. The VPI is much better in every way.

One of the cool things about the VPI is you can start with a jr. And upgrade all the way to a MkIV. The MkIV is a super table rivaling many "modern " tables and even superior to many of the current VPIs because of the composite 25lb. Platter.

But

If you really want something special that can also be cheap: go with a DIY big plinth Lenco.
it's about the music

 

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