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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 $190 Date: November 29, 20241 yr
The Thorens TMC 70 is a respected moving-coil cartridge from the Swiss brand’s later era, prized for its low mass and clean detail. At A$190, this listing is a strong deal: recent used ads for the same model in good condition show prices around A$170 with a headshell included, so A$190 sits just slightly above that but still well below the typical A$200–A$250 range seen for working TMC 70s on the Australian market.
This cartridge remains a worthwhile buy because it delivers the smooth, low-distortion sound that made Thorens MCs a go-to for mid-range audiophile systems, especially with vintage Thorens turntables. The included headshell (if present) adds immediate value, and at this price, even minor wear is easily justified by the performance. For a fellow enthusiast hunting a reliable, original-owner MC, this is a clear buying opportunity—not a caution.
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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