
( Brand: Thorens ), ( Model: 150MKII AB ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Germany )
The Thorens TD 150 MkII AB is a timeless piece of audiophile equipment, hailing from the renowned German manufacturer Thorens. This turntable is a testament to Thorens' commitment to delivering high-quality sound reproduction and is a popular choice among vinyl enthusiasts.
The TD 150 MkII AB is a fully manual belt-drive turntable, featuring a heavy, 8.6 kg (19 lbs) TP 160 tonearm with SME-type universal headshell mount. The tonearm is equipped with a high-quality Swedish-made Ortofon OM 10 cartridge, which offers excellent tracking and detail. The arm is also height and azimuth adjustable, allowing for precise alignment for optimal sound performance.
The turntable boasts a 300mm (12") steel platter, which is heavily damped to reduce vibrations and improve stability. The platter is driven by a low-noise, synchronous motor via a belt drive system, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. The platter also features a felt mat, which provides excellent grip and reduces platter noise.
The TD 150 MkII AB's base is made from a heavy, 16mm (0.63") thick MDF material, which is both solid and resonance-free. The turntable is also equipped with three felt feet, which provide excellent stability and isolate the turntable from external vibrations.
The turntable's speed is selectable between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, with a high-quality, electronic speed switch. The switch features an LED display, which indicates the selected speed. The turntable also features a built-in phono preamp, which allows for easy connection to a wide range of amplifiers and speakers.
In summary, the Thorens TD 150 MkII AB is a high-quality, fully manual belt-drive turntable that delivers exceptional sound quality. Its heavy platter, low-noise motor, and high-quality tonearm and cartridge ensure smooth and precise playback, while its solid base and feet provide excellent stability and vibration isolation. The built-in phono preamp and LED speed display make it easy to use and connect to a wide range of audio systems. Overall, the TD 150 MkII AB is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality turntable that will deliver years of enjoyment and excellent sound reproduction.
Pros of buying Thorens TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge:1. High-quality build and construction: The Thorens TD 150 MkII is known for its robust build and high-quality materials, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable turntable.
2. Excellent sound quality: The combination of the SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge provides a detailed and balanced sound, with good bass response and clear midrange and treble frequencies.
3. Versatility: The Thorens TD 150 MkII is compatible with a wide range of vinyl records, including 78 RPM records, making it a versatile option for collectors.
4. Upgradeability: The SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge can be easily swapped out for higher-end components, allowing for further customization and improvement of sound quality.
Cons of buying Thorens TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge:1. Hefty price tag: The Thorens TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is a high-end turntable, and its price tag may be prohibitive for some buyers.
2. Lack of modern features: The Thorens TD 150 MkII is an analog turntable, and it lacks many modern features such as automatic start and stop, digital outputs, and built-in phono preamps.
3. Requires careful setup and maintenance: The Thorens TD 150 MkII requires careful setup and regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which may be daunting for some buyers.
Conclusion:The Thorens TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is a high-quality turntable that delivers excellent sound quality and is built to last. However, its price tag is a significant drawback, and it may lack modern features that some buyers value. If you are a serious audiophile seeking a high-performance turntable, the TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge may be worth the investment. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with modern features, you may want to consider other turntables on the market.
Recommendation:If you are willing to invest in a high-end turntable and are seeking excellent sound quality, the Thorens TD 150 MkII with SME 309 arm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with modern features, you may want to consider the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC or the Rega Planar 1. Both turntables deliver excellent sound quality and are more affordable than the Thorens TD 150 MkII. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, preferences, and needs as a vinyl collector.
You are buying on a Thorens 150 mkii ab with Twp 13 tone arm, shire premier cartridge and universal head shell. This model is wired for north America 117 vac. This turntable is in very good condition.