Topic: Thorens TD 150 COMPLETED!!!!!

[raymonda]

Thought I would start a new thread since this project is almost completed and will save folks time from scrolling. I have mounted a cartridge temporarily until a Denon 301 MKII comes in. I also will have a dustcover made and might go with spiked feet, after listening to the rubber ones. Finally, I'm not totally committed to the cork mat but will give that a listen, too.

What's not in the pictures is the Music Hall Cruise Control 2, which serves to ensure spot on speed accuracy.

So here it is and at this point I am pleased.

[rocksuitcase]

looking good Ray. marking the thread and not too jealous.     

[raymonda]

Everything has a price.....but I'm not selling this one until I really get to enjoy it! I let my AR go way too soon!

[larrysellers]

Yeah Ray, the last few decks you have done really looked spectacular.

[raymonda]

Thanks!

I've installed the Denon Dl301mkii....and boy it sure sound nice. After fussing with the preamp settings, vta, overhang, etc. I think I have it dialed in. I'm going to run with this set up for a while and until I get the table finished. I have added small spikes, which seem to be as good as the rubber. I am making a custom carbon and brass spike, which will be installed next week. My dustcover should be in too.

Finally, I want to put a carbon mat on it but that is going to run me some bills. At that time I'm going to mount my benz m.09 and soundsmith glider, to really see what this table can do.

Right now it seems promising and sound great. It certainly has been worth the time and money.

[raymonda]

I'm now spinning my benz m0.9 and the table again demonstrates the ability to get out of the way and let the cartridge do its thing.

Parts are still coming in and hopefully soon it will be complete. I bought an extra platter and will buff it out so that there will be a choice...copper or silver. I also bought a black knob....so that there can be a black color scheme happening. Finally, carbon mat should be here in a few weeks. That coupled with the dust cover should finish it off.

Still, I'm enjoying the heck out of it now!

[raymonda]

It is getting closer. Just a black knob, carbon mat and dust cover. Here she is now.

[rocksuitcase]

So pretty!

[Fried Chicken Boy]

She is a beauty.  Well done, as always, raymonda!

[raymonda]

Thanks. I post the last pictures after the final parts get in. It will be the last shots of the finished product.

[raymonda]

OK, here is some shots with the table dressed with a black knob and silver, polished plattter. Please provide thoughts......copper or silver platter, silver of black knob or what combination. Dust cover came in and carbon mat should be in any day now. I'll report on sound shortly but to say the least, I'm very pleased.

[rocksuitcase]

I love it the way these recent pics are. i might say a silver platter/black knob probably looks good.
The Copper platter is cool, but the silver is so sophisticated looking.

[raymonda]

When the carbon mat arrives and put on and it might increase my leaning towards the silver and black look. What you can't see is that the cones are silver and carbon fiber, which goes well with the silver platter and black knob. The mat should arrive in a day or two and will help me finalize the cosmetic appearance of the table. More importantly is how it sounds.

Initially, I felt that the Benz M0.9 was a better cartridge  for the table, tighter bass more explosive midrange. However, on some recordings I could not eliminate the sibilance no matter how much fussing I did with VTA, VTF and overhang, so, I went back to the Denon and I am very please with this combination. It is really amazing to me how nice the Denon DL 301ii can sound. From bottom to top the frequency have a truth to timbre, with instruments coming across as they should. It is a rich organic sounding combination that is addictive to the ear and forces you to spin albums when you should have long ago went to bed.

I have a tendency to to build up these tables and then pass them on. I'm really hoping that this is one that I can keep for the long run. Having two tables set up has its advantages and this is a table I would like to pass down to one of my kids. Also, I am not giving up my Thorens TD850, which is also highly modded. However, if cash does become an issue the new owner will have the ability to swap out platters and knobs and create the look he or she desires. But I don't think that option will happen anytime soon.

[raymonda]

Carbon mat in........final shots.

[rocksuitcase]

Yee hawww! so durn pretty!