I am considering the Thorens TD240 as a new TT purchase.

[Q] Might some of you be able to share an opinion about this particular TT?

[Q] Can the TD240 accomodate a wide range of MM and MC cartridges?

[Q] Should I consider a comparably priced TT from another company?

My Sincere Thanks!
Matt

The light wood version of the TD240 is in my opinion one of the most beautiful pieces of hi fi gear I've seen. I read somewhere, I cant remember where, that the TD 170, TD190 and TD240 were based on the Dual 450 series, which Thorens picked up when Dual went under. The arms do look alike. This may be good or bad depending how you feel about Dual. If it is the Dual arm, I would expect it to be better for high compliance MM cartridges.

Fernando

Thanks Fernando.

I believe this TD 240 is sold as a plug 'n play model [w/ a tonearm and a basic MM cartridge included].

[Q] At a later date, could I change out the tonearm with a higher quality one?

[Q] Is Thorens known to be compatible [easy tonearm exchange] with any particular, 3rd party tonearm manufacturer [i.e. SME]?

Many Thanks,
Matt

Thorens made many models designed to be used with third party tonearms. The most prominent of these were the 125, 126 and 160 series. I do not believe the TD240 is designed with an esily replaceble arm. I think it has automatic lift and return which means the arm and chassis are designed as a unit.

If you are thinking of separate arms, you need to be looking higher up the line into the 800 series. Otherwise, look for some good condition older units on ebay.

Fernando

You have been my personal gold mine on Thorens. Thank You!

I refer back to your first post when you said it depends on how one feels about Dual TT's. I have no history w/ the Dual TT brand. I recall that they were fairly popular along with Thorens. I also recall a sense that Thorens TT's were a stronger offering.

Should I be worried about a Thorens TT that may have Dual influence?

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That's too bad that the TD240 does not allow for easy arm exchanges. My wife and I really like the Cherry veneer version of the TD240. It's striking. Unless we begin to hear some discouraging news from TD240 owners, I suspect that we'll accept the included Tonearm to acquire the beautiful wood veneered table. We also like the automatic operation features and the mechanical arm control for slowly dropping and lifting the stylus.

I wonder how significant the arm is vs the cartridge when dealing with a specific TT. Perhaps we can increase the sound performance with higher investments in cartridge selections [maybe a MC] allowing us to minimize the limitations of a fixed tonearm.

The visual effect of a component can be just as significant as the audio in making purchase decisions. This is especially true if the visuals result in enlisting the support of the spouse. This lowers the real effective signal to noise ratio in the house. A complaining spouse can generate more rumble than a bad turntable. If you both love it, get it.

Regarding Duals, I own 3 so to me a Dual design is not a negative. I always thought their arms were pretty well thought out and better than the cheaper Thorens, even if the Thorens chassis was better.

I've seen Thorens turntables come with Audio Technica AT95E or with Ortofon OM10. These cartridges are both OK but I think the table deserves better. The OM10 can easily be upgraded to an OM20 or OM30 by simply replacing the stylus. Ortofon is also introducing a new 2M series. Some on this board swear by the Audio Technica AT-440MLa. Before you buy a Moving Coil try to find some posts regarding MC cartridges with these arms. (search also for the TD190 which has a similar arm). Some low mass arms do not do well with low compliance moving coils.

Fernando

If you both love it, get it.

Absolutely. I am blessed with a very supportive wife, but I did solicit her opinion on a number of TT possibilities because I do, very much, want her to love the equipment as much as I do. The Thorens TD240, in a cherry veneer, is going to sell itself [visually]. It really is striking.


Regarding Duals, I own 3 so to me a Dual design is not a negative. I always thought their arms were pretty well thought out and better than the cheaper Thorens, even if the Thorens chassis was better.

That's good news. It sounds like the merge might have enabled Thorens to mate the best of both designs. Not having owned either brand, I can only guess.

I do not believe the TD240 comes with a cartridge. I am certain that I will begin with an MM cartridge that is reputable but reasonablly priced. From there, I will consider other options. My system does not warrant spending any great amount of money on the TT or the cartridge. I just don't own front end equipment that would reveal any potential gains from upgrading individual components on the TT. In fact, I was hoping to spend closer to $400 for the TT itself, but the cherry veneer option, which we really like, forced my hand to look at the TD240 which doubles our cash outlay.

I assume the TD240 ships with the arm attached, or it is a very simple effort to secure it to the TT.

Are all cartridges a simple wire plug-in affair?

Many Thanks!
Matt