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Brand: Thorens (Made in Germany)Model: TD 165Production Era: Early to Mid-1970sDrive Type: Belt DriveMotor: 16-Pole Synchronous MotorSpeeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPMChassis Design: Suspended Sub-Chassis (Floating Mechanism)Condition: Used — Good Cosmetic ConditionFunctional Status: Motor-Tested & Spin-Verified (Audio Path Unverified / Untested)Up for sale is a vintage Thorens TD 165 2-Speed Belt-Drive Turntable. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of European hi-fi engineering from the golden age of vinyl, the TD 165 is highly sought after by audiophiles for its incredible build quality, smooth operation, and warm, musical presentation.This model features Thorens' legendary three-point sprung floating sub-chassis mechanism. By suspending the heavy inner platter assembly and tonearm away from the outer wooden plinth and motor assembly, external footfalls, bumps, and motor vibrations are naturally isolated. This prevents the needle from jumping, skipping, or transferring low-end mechanical rumble to your speakers.Honest Testing & Diagnostic DisclosuresWe believe in full transparency so you can buy with total confidence:The Spin Test: This turntable has been connected to power and mechanically tested for rotational integrity. The 16-pole synchronous motor is strong and quiet. The platter spins smoothly and switches speeds correctly at both 33 and 45 RPM.Audio Status (Unverified): This unit has not been tested with a live record passing through a phono pre-amp/receiver and speakers. We lack the specialized phono setup in our current testing space to verify audio output, cartridge/stylus condition, or signal continuity.Cosmetics: In Good vintage condition. The wooden plinth, top faceplate, and tonearm components are physically clean, showing only average, minor cosmetic signs of use from age. (Note: If a plastic dust cover is included or has cracks, please mention it here; otherwise, it is standard to assume it is sold exactly as shown in photos).Key Technical AttributesHigh-Mass Zinc Alloy Outer Platter: Utilizes a heavy, dynamically balanced 12-inch platter that creates an incredible flywheel effect, ensuring highly stable rotational speeds with minimal wow and flutter.Precision TP 11 Tonearm: Equipped with the factory low-friction transcription tonearm featuring an anti-skating control mechanism and a smooth manual cueing lever.Modder-Friendly Platform: The TD 165 is universally loved in the audiophile community because its heavy Baltic birch construction and simple mechanical design make it incredibly easy to clean, re-oil, or upgrade with high-end modern cartridges.What’s IncludedVintage Thorens TD 165 Turntable AssemblyFactory Fitted Tonearm with Removable Headshell & Cartridge (As shown in photos)Heavy-Duty Vintage Audio Shipping GuidelinesSuspension-Locked Transit Packing: Vintage suspended turntables require meticulous care before shipping to prevent terminal damage. To protect the delicate internal floating springs and the platter bearing socket, the heavy outer zinc platter will be completely removed and placed safely under or wrapped securely beside the turntable chassis. The tonearm will be locked down firmly to its rest, and the entire unit will be wrapped in multiple thick layers of industrial bubble wrap. It will then be packed inside a heavy-duty box using dense, form-fitting void fill to prevent any mechanical movement during transit.Shipping: Ships promptly with tracking and insurance._______________ 🎵 Welcome to The Muzic Store INC – Dobbs Ferry, New York! 🎵_______________________________________ Store Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 AM – 6 PM________________________________If you ever need something extra included with your purchase, please let us know before shipping — we’re always happy to help!Located in Dobbs Ferry, NY, The Muzic Store INC has been family-owned and operated since 1982, proudly serving Westchester County and beyond for over 43 years. We’re more than just a music shop — we’re a community of musicians, gear lovers, and industry experts who live and breathe music every day.Buy your gear the way it was meant to be bought — from a store that’s been there through it all and has the vibe and experience to prove it.Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for decades, our mission is simple: 👉We Help you find the right gear that brings you the most joy in what you do.We are authorized dealers for nearly every major brand, and we stock unique and hard-to-find items that other stores don’t. Don’t miss your chance to grab something truly legendary! 🎷🎻🎙🎺🥁🎸🎹🪕🎵We could have never done this without YOU — our amazing customers. Thank you for supporting us for over four decades! 💕If you have any questions about our listings or need help finding the perfect piece of gear, feel free to contact us anytime. 😁✌
Generating expert take…
Thorens traces its origins to 1883 in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, where Hermann Thorens founded the company in the Jura mountains to craft music boxes and mechanical musical devices. Pioneering audio technology soon followed, with early cylinder phonographs, horn gramophones, and record players that established Thorens as an innovator predating the modern vinyl record. By the 1920s, breakthroughs like electric gramophone motors and magnetic pickups propelled international success, employing over 1,200 workers and embodying Swiss precision engineering. Ownership shifts, including a 2018 acquisition by Gunter Kürten, former Elac head, have revitalized the brand while honoring its 140-year heritage.
Thorens remains synonymous with high-quality turntables, its core focus since iconic idler-drive models like the TD-124 and TD-160 defined the golden age of analog playback. Vintage enthusiasts prize these for their robust plinths, precise motors, and timeless performance, while modern lines such as the 900 series introduce air-suspended sub-chassis for superior isolation. Brief forays into receivers, cassette decks, and speakers in the 1970s yielded to an unwavering commitment to vinyl reproduction, encompassing both LP and 78rpm formats.
Positioned as a high-end analog specialist, Thorens commands respect among discerning audiophiles and vintage collectors for its blend of historical pedigree and contemporary refinement. No longer strictly Swiss-manufactured but retaining that ethos, it occupies a niche boutique space—elevating turntables beyond entry-level to precision instruments that rival top competitors. Under Kürten's stewardship, Thorens thrives in the vinyl resurgence, delivering musical authenticity that serious hi-fi buyers demand.
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