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Offered for sale is a beautifully restored and thoughtfully upgraded Thorens TD-165 belt-drive turntable.The TD-165 is respected for its classic suspended-chassis design, reliable mechanical construction and natural, musical sound. This example has been carefully prepared for someone who wants to enjoy a genuine vintage Thorens without first undertaking a major restoration project.The turntable is fitted with an Audio-Technica AT95E dual-magnet cartridge featuring an elliptical stylus. The tonearm has been carefully adjusted and set up, and the internal tonearm wiring has been upgraded with pure-silver Litz wire for a high-quality, low-mass signal path.The original Thorens plinth has been retained, preserving the character and appearance of the turntable. It is complemented by a substantial custom base constructed from 3/4-inch birch laminate and fitted with custom feet.The platter and dust cover have both been polished, and a new faceplate has been installed. Gold-plated RCA output jacks and a detachable IEC power connection provide secure, convenient modern connections while retaining the classic design and serviceability of the TD-165.Features and Upgrades• Audio-Technica AT95E dual-magnet cartridge• Elliptical stylus• Pure-silver Litz tonearm wiring• Tonearm carefully adjusted and tuned• Original Thorens plinth retained• New faceplate• Polished platter• Polished dust cover• Gold-plated RCA output jacks• Detachable IEC power connection• Custom 3/4-inch birch laminate base• Custom isolation feetThis is not a mass-produced modern plastic turntable. It is a carefully prepared example of a classic European suspended-chassis design, built during an era when audio equipment was intended to be serviced, maintained and enjoyed for decades.The turntable may show minor signs of age consistent with a vintage component, but its overall appearance is excellent and it presents beautifully. Please examine all photographs closely, as they are an important part of the description.Local Pickup Only at This TimeDue to the delicate suspended chassis, tonearm and dust cover, I am initially offering this turntable for local pickup only. Properly shipping a vintage suspended turntable requires extensive disassembly and specialized packaging, and I would prefer that the buyer receive it safely and in its present condition.Local pickup also allows the buyer to inspect and hear the turntable operate before taking it home. I will explain the controls, setup and important transport precautions to the new owner.A wonderful choice for someone assembling a quality vintage stereo system or looking for the warm, engaging experience of a properly prepared Thorens turntable.Questions from serious buyers and fellow vintage-audio enthusiasts are welcome.
Is US$1,000 a fair price for a Thorens TD 165 when your own database shows a median of US$650? This asking price is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of US$951 and far higher than the median, meaning you are paying a premium without clear justification from recent market data. While the TD 165 is a beloved mid-70s German turntable known for its floating sub-chassis and smooth, warm sound, it does not typically command top-tier vintage pricing unless it is in pristine, original-owner condition with a flawless dust cover and tonearm.
The potential upside here hinges entirely on unknown condition details: if this unit includes the original dust cover, an unscratched top plate, and a functioning Shure or Ortofon cartridge, it could justify reaching toward the US$951 mark, but US$1,000 still feels stretched. Common caveats for this model include worn suspension rubber, a sticky tonearm lift, or a scratched dust cover, which would make this price a poor deal; unless the listing explicitly confirms these are absent and includes original accessories, a buyer should expect to negotiate down toward the US$650–US$750 range for a fair entry.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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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