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Thorens TD 150 Super Build

24.39.87.154
Posted on February 1, 2017 at 11:05:15
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



I'm under taking a new Thorens TD 150 project. This is the second one of done, with the last one having excellent results. The difference with this one is that I am making an extended plinth and have added an Origin Live Advance motor. There is extensive use of carbon fiber being used for the top plate and arm board, as well, as damping material added to the chassis.

Also bein used is a Grace G940 arm with a carbon fiber head shell and a custom phono cable.

Here are a few shot prior to the final build, which should be complte by the end of the week.


 

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RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 11:05:55
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



more

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 11:06:28
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 11:07:04
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



one more

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 11:08:20
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



I lied

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 16:03:13
ddarch
Dealer

Posts: 1255
Joined: February 21, 2002
 VERY nice!

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 16:08:45
bgunn
Audiophile

Posts: 380
Location: SanFrancisco CA
Joined: March 10, 2004
 Wow, great design and execution. Looks like a labor of love.

 

RE: Nice ..., posted on February 1, 2017 at 17:37:38
slider
Audiophile

Posts: 298
Joined: September 13, 2010
 It's gonna be a little like one of those new-fangled EAT C-Sharp turntables with the carbon fiber plinth ...

EAC C-Sharp on youtube

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 1, 2017 at 18:02:45
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Thanks for the positive replies. I need to fabricate the plinth/table bracing from carbon/Kevlar, cut and drill the arm board and then assemble. I should have it done by Sunday.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 7, 2017 at 16:13:10
kff
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Location: SE PA
Joined: October 19, 2006
 watching for more pics. Looks great so far.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 7, 2017 at 18:34:38
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 I have it set in the plinth and in the process of cutting the board. I hope to have it up and spinning this weekend.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:07:09
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



Here are a few shots with it set in the plinth. Still a ways to go but almost there.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:08:00
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:08:34
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:08:56
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:09:24
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 8, 2017 at 08:09:44
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



last one

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 11, 2017 at 17:37:59
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 I was putting the table together last night and the 940 arm I bought ended up having a broken pivot bearing. Not only was it broken but it was ill repaired with someone try to epoxy the bearing back into place, which had dislodged, most likely during transport. I bought this arm about 3 months ago waiting for this build. I'm going to contact the seller but I'm afraid I'll be out my money.

Meanwhile I placed my Audiomod arm on it a have been giving it a listen. Headphone service will be happening tonight with full system tomorrow.

The speed is rock sol8d steady at 33.33, with initial set up and listen good.

Anyway, it now looks like I will be buying a Jelco. Too bad. Live and learn. I should have checked this arm out when I got it. Arg!

Any benefactor feeling sorry for me with an extra arm around.

I'll post new shots on Monday.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 14, 2017 at 10:44:48
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



Well, The Grace arm I bought ended up being broken, so, I now have gone with a Jelco, which will be here this week. During the mean time I have installed my Audiomods to give the table a listen. Here are some shots. Maybe this arm will stay on the table.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 14, 2017 at 10:45:25
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



another

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 14, 2017 at 10:45:45
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



next

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 14, 2017 at 10:45:58
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



next

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 14, 2017 at 10:46:34
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



final

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:46:41
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



Update:

So the Grace arm was a big disappointment being that the needle bearing was broken. Anyway, I ordered a Jelco 370 and installed it on the arm along with a NOS Adcom HCEII cartridge. I've been listening to it using my Acoustech Ph1P and MM section of my AI M3A.

So far, I am very happy with the table, as the speed it rock solid. The plinth does a great job of isolation and vibration control. The knock test is stable an hardly produces and sound with the needle in the groove.

The 370 is doing a great job tracking and allows for subtle difference between cartridges, as I've also quickly thrown in a Benz, AT 7000 and Denon 103. However, I really want to tweak the table using the Adcom, so it will stay in mounted in the arm until it is completely dialed in.

Comparing with my highly modded TD 850, with Audiomods and Benz MO.09 is interesting, even given the number of variables that differ. More similar than different. This is mostly due to the cartridge.

Although, I have this table up here for sale it is tough to ultimately decide between the 150 and 850. I wish I could keep both but I will enjoy the time I spend with the 150.

It is a stunning looking table, I think you will agree......with the sound on the same level. As this is the second 150 build I have completed, I am continually surprised at what can be done with the basic structure. Thorens did an excellent job with the bearings and 3 point suspension. Even the basic motor is not too shabby but adding the Origin Live motor only elevates it to another level.

Also, The Project carbon headshell is a great value. I just ordered some Cardas leads, which will be installed as soon as they come in.

The build is coming together nicely. I really need to win a Power Ball so I can keep these things.

Thoughts and feedback appreciated.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:47:20
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



pic 2

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:47:40
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



pic 3

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:48:00
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



pic 4

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:48:28
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



pic 5

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:48:49
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



pic 6

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on February 23, 2017 at 07:49:16
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 I'll post a final shot after the dustcover arrives.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 18, 2017 at 07:52:30
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Just a bit of an update. I bought a used, low hour BENZ ACE off Karl here on AA and now have completed the build. Thanks Karl. Now, the sonic picture is complete. I really like the Benz house sound and in this application it sings one smooth, sweet song! Play on!

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 18, 2017 at 17:17:15
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1879
Joined: April 14, 2009
 Welll Sure is Sparkly'n Shiny.
A few things give pause though:
The Weights, the CF Mat and the CF base innards.
Why? beyond Bling?
Frankly seems like what Hot Rodders' said;
If it Don't Go.. Chrome it (or these days CF it :-)

But then it's Not MY TD 150.. whatever floats your Boat.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 18, 2017 at 21:39:29
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 There have been many studies done demonstrating the damping properties of carbon fiber, which apply to audio applications. Carbon fiber is used in many, many audio applications with tremendous success. Because you may not like it does not make it a poor choice.

Your chrome plating analogy is better suited for veneers, paint and to some degree plating. Although, anodizing, too has proven to have structure benefits, as well as, some types of paint like coatings.

I respect the fact that you may not like the looks. But this is not vinyl wrap. Also, I would think that before you make such a broad brush stroke you should listen with your ears before you talk with your mouth.

I have modded more than a few tables and have found that carbon fiber can be an excellent alternative to other materials. I also use other materials, too, aluminum, stainless steel, mdf, real woods, acrylics, butyl, etc. For this application, arm board, internal bracing, head shell and top plate I went with carbon for performance not looks.

If your anywhere near upstate NY I invite you to stop by for a listen. Then, if you don't like what your hear you can be as critical as you like. Otherwise, save your cristism for looks and abstain from making sonic judgements on something you've never heard.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 19, 2017 at 11:38:01
bajaed
Audiophile

Posts: 103
Location: Kentucky
Joined: November 6, 2012
 Beautiful build. I bet it sounds great. The aesthetics are incredible IMO.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 19, 2017 at 12:46:07
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 Thanks. I tried to give a Nuevo Retro look, with clean lines. The sound is fantastic and really brings out the best in Thorens' 3 point spring suspension chassis.

I'm listening to the Manhatten Transfer, Vocalise and this combination boogies. I think I'll pull out David Brubeck's Gone with the Wind next. One of my all time favorites.

I'm still dialing in the ACE but so far it is sounding real nice.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 22, 2017 at 21:08:21
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014
 I've got the ACE figured out and really singing. I found that it needs high gain and I'm pushing it 61.5 dbs through my Acoutech ph1p. I've also determined that loading is best at 500 ohms, as it provides the most satisfying balance. I just finished a two hour listening session through headphones and finished a very happy man. This combination, table, arm and cartridge, works and sounds wonderful.

I'm very happy with this build and if I can sell off a few microphones maybe I can keep it. Anyone interested in some high end mics?

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 23, 2017 at 11:20:16
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



Thought I post these new shots just to put a bee in Bare's bonnet. New ACE up and running and Adcom in a cherry head shell with a carbon fiber spacer.

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 23, 2017 at 11:20:38
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



next

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 23, 2017 at 11:21:08
raya
Industry Professional

Posts: 662
Joined: May 9, 2014



final

 

RE: Thorens TD 150 Super Build, posted on March 24, 2017 at 10:20:44
TubeDriver
Audiophile

Posts: 794
Location: East Coast
Joined: February 16, 2007
 Very nice work!

 

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