junkfooddiet Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I would like some help deciding between two used record players. The MH is ~$200 and the Thorens is ~$150. The price difference to me is not that important but quality is. The Music Hall has an elan goldring cartridge while the Thorens has a stanton 500 mk3. The tables are in very good shape and are purchased from a store, but I will check everything out myself as well. So I was wondering which one might be better and why in some other people's opinions. So owners of either would be helpful. I will be testing both out this week and I know whichever I think sounds better is the one to go for, but I would like to have some info before picking. Thanks for reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpingBean Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 There was a time when Thorens made some great tables, but the TD-180 is a piece of crap. You are wayyyy better off with the Music Hall dude. junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkfooddiet Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 I read some people really enjoy it, but they got it at a pretty good price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 There was a time when Thorens made some great tables, but the TD-180 is a piece of crap. You are wayyyy better off with the Music Hall dude. Sadly very true, they still do make some very nice turntables but the costs for their good ones are extortionate and the 180 doesn't fall into the good category, also discontinued now I think. A good 2nd hand TD160 which the 180 is a loose plastic copy of would also be a good choice junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpingBean Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 If I were you I wouldn't pay more than 50 bucks for a TD-180. The 200 however for the Music Hall seems reasonable. Now if you can find a TD-160 in good condition for 200, that would be a better table, but they often go for more than that. junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkfooddiet Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 Maybe I will just try out the music hall. I am there so it can't hurt to test both, but keep in mind the thorens is not very good. It seems dumb, but I do not like that you have to switch speeds manually on the music hall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidamnesiac Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 It seems dumb, but I do not like that you have to switch speeds manually on the music hall. This is not as big a problem as a lot of people seem to worry that it is. Changing speeds on these tables manually takes about 5 seconds. You can also purchase a speed box. junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 You know, I've had a hand changing speed turntable for 6 years. Never once have I gone "MAN THIS IS SUCH A HASSLE CONSIDERING I HAVE TO FLIP THIS RECORD OVER IN 10MINS" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpingBean Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Changing speeds on my VPI Scout is actually kind of annoying, but that's a totally different design. It was never a hassle on my Pro-Ject. junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajxd Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 LoL that's because you bought cheap junk like a VPI Scout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oracle Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Maybe I will just try out the music hall. I am there so it can't hurt to test both, but keep in mind the thorens is not very good. It seems dumb, but I do not like that you have to switch speeds manually on the music hall. I wouldn't waste time with the Thorens TD180 , it has nothing in common with products made by the original Thorens company, who made the best t/t in the world in the early 70s. Misic Hall ( Project) t/ts virtually own the entry level Hi Fi market, junkfooddiet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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