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Thorens TMC 70 Phono Cartridge (MC) The cheapest way to enjoy an EMT cartridge. In good condition, headshell included. Condition: Good Payment Method: Paypal, EFT, Cash on Pickup etc. Region/State: (WA) Western Australia/Australia By christianb 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $170 Date: March 14, 20251 yr
Compared with the obvious alternative at this price point — a modern budget MC cartridge — this is a strong used buy if it’s healthy. I’d peg A$170 as good value for a Thorens TMC 70 in good condition, since recent used asks I found sit around A$190 to A$225, so this is comfortably below the usual ask and not overpriced.
The appeal here is that the TMC 70 is essentially a Thorens-branded EMT-derived MC, meant for lighter arms and known for a lively, articulate presentation rather than soft, generic vintage sound. If the stylus is genuinely in good shape and it comes complete, that makes it a worthwhile grab; the main thing to verify is actual playtime/wear, because replacement or overhaul on these old MCs can erase the savings quickly.
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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