Thorens TD 160 Cheap Belt Seeker: What's a Good One Under $10

severeear

Active Member
Hey folks, looking for a decent Thorens TD 160 belt under $10. Not interested in spending $25-$30 on an OEM, and please, no lectures on why one would be better. There's many cheapos out there, and I'd like to hear from folks, who have have good experiences with cheapos, and can tell me where to get one like theirs. I, myself, have had good luck with a cheapo, but can't remember where I got it. Any info appreciated. Also, thanks in advance for not turning this thread into a debate over whether OEM belts are a million times better than cheap ones.
 
There is no cheap belt that gives you exact speed. If you don't mind a bit fast or a bit slow just get any of the cheap belts that say they are for the table.

If you want dead on accurate speed, get the Thorens belt from QAudio or others.

No lecture, just stating what is known.
 
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I'm curious...are you lookimg for a cheap belt because you are selling the table and just want it to "work" for a demo?
 
As many years as a belt lasts, why not buy the correct one, trying to save twenty cents a year, or something?

There's such things as being frugal, being smart with money, and being ridiculously cheap.
About 30 years ago I drove all over town looking for the cheapest bicycle helmet. I finally found one for $20. The good ones were all $30.

I did the math. It's the last time I ever did that regarding an item that will last me a long time.
 
There is no cheap belt that gives you exact speed. If you don't mind a bit fast or a bit slow just get any of the cheap belts that say they are for the table.

If you want dead on accurate speed, get the Thorens belt from QAudio or others.

No lecture, just stating what is known.

^ This is correct.

Been there done that. Buy the correct one and listen to music the way it ways meant to sound. It will last a long time so its worth a few bucks more.
 
About 30 years ago I drove all over town looking for the cheapest bicycle helmet. I finally found one for $20. The good ones were all $30.

I did the math. It's the last time I ever did that regarding an item that will last me a long time.

Good example. As for the OP's plea for no lectures, well, he put that in there because he knew his post was calling out for one. I doubt that he knows, however, how much the wrong belt impairs performance.
 
Good example. As for the OP's plea for no lectures, well, he put that in there because he knew his post was calling out for one. I doubt that he knows, however, how much the wrong belt impairs performance.
What?! You mean the ones in that bag I linked to at Amazon will affect performance?!
 
Good example. As for the OP's plea for no lectures, well, he put that in there because he knew his post was calling out for one. I doubt that he knows, however, how much the wrong belt impairs performance.
I can't speak for the OP, but I think what happens is that one looks at the price of the TT, adds the price of a new belt, maybe new cartridge or even head-shell and then says, is the fully functional TT worth this total price.

I'd do it that way if I was looking at buying it used, or one I was considering selling. If it was a turntable I was using and one day the belt broke, I would not even hesitate regarding getting the more expensive better belt.
 
I can't speak for the OP, but I think what happens is that one looks at the price of the TT, adds the price of a new belt, maybe new cartridge or even head-shell and then says, is the fully functional TT worth this total price.

I'd do it that way if I was looking at buying it used, or one I was considering selling. If it was a turntable I was using and one day the belt broke, I would not even hesitate regarding getting the more expensive better belt.

Even if for resale, I'd buy the correct belt. That is just the kind of thing I point out to prospective buyers, and that appeals to most enthusiasts, especially when you explain to those who need it the importance of a turntable belt of the correct formulation, thickness, width and length for best playback results. Lower wow and flutter, for instance.

Back when I spun records, I used a Thorens TD-165. My favorite table. I know the spindle bearing is smaller in that entry-level model, and some users criticize the arm, but I found it to be a fine table and absolutely loved the arm, largely due to its KISS design, I think. A TD-160 is an even better table and the thought of putting a cheapie will-fit belt on one makes me cringe. The owner who'd do that might just as well have bought a cheap USB table, and really saved some money.
 
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I do not own nor do I care for Thorens turntables. That opinion is from cleaning up the 150 a friend dropped off for me to clean up for him.

It needed a belt and I bought a generic but was unable to change speed. I believe it did change from 45 to 33 but not the other direction. I consulted a local turntable specialist and wound up having to by a thirty plus dollar belt specific to Thorens. They are thinner, more supple and will ride up and down the speed pulley whereas a generic did not.
 
Even if for resale, I'd buy the correct belt. That is just the kind of thing I point out to prospective buyers, and that appeals to most enthusiasts, especially when you explain to those who need it the importance of a turntable belt of the correct formulation, thickness, width and length for best playback results. Lower wow and flutter, for instance.
In my younger days I would have bought the cheap belt if I was reselling it. Now I'd buy the expensive one. I love handing over great equipment to people. Frankly, the feeling it gives is worth the $20 - and more.

Fortunately, I can afford to take that attitude.
 
OK, first off, thanks to all the folks, who have told me what I already knew in the first place (that a lot of cheap belts aren't so great), and commented on my financial choices. Glad you could blow off some misplaced steam or whatever. However, you seem to miss the point of the post. I am seeking good stories about cheap belts that work well. If there are none, so be it. But please, if you don't have any, step aside, cut the snobby audiophile bullying, and make way for someone , who might have a good story about a cheap belt. Thanks in advance.
 
OK, first off, thanks to all the folks, who have told me what I already knew in the first place (that a lot of cheap belts aren't so great), and commented on my financial choices. Glad you could blow off some misplaced steam or whatever. However, you seem to miss the point of the post. I am seeking good stories about cheap belts that work well. If there are none, so be it. But please, if you don't have any, step aside, cut the snobby audiophile bullying, and make way for someone , who might have a good story about a cheap belt. Thanks in advance.

You are quite welcome. You might consider reading up a bit regarding TT belts, though.
 
OK, first off, thanks to all the folks, who have told me what I already knew in the first place (that a lot of cheap belts aren't so great), and commented on my financial choices. Glad you could blow off some misplaced steam or whatever. However, you seem to miss the point of the post. I am seeking good stories about cheap belts that work well. If there are none, so be it. But please, if you don't have any, step aside, cut the snobby audiophile bullying, and make way for someone , who might have a good story about a cheap belt. Thanks in advance.
Dang! I confess I fell into the very mode I also hate seeing on threads. Stuff like this:

OP: I'm trying to decide between the U-Turn or the Technics TT.
Poster: Have you considered the [insert brand here]? That's what I have and I love it!

In a very real way, I was that poster here. Sorry. ;)
 
I answered the quesiton with the one caveat that the non-originals will not have speed accuracy. I didn't have trouble with the non-Thorens belts just a consistent speed that was not 33-1/3 or 45 rpm, close but not enough for some. So get a belt that is sold for the turntable from a vendor that you have some recourse with in case it is one that won't change speeds. I didn't have that issue with the off brand belts.
 
I have a cheap belt on my TD-160. Not quite dead on but its close. It also doesn't shift quite properly or reliably. Whenever I finally have it in a place I can actually use it (bad floors), I'll buy the proper belt. Its had the wrong belt on it for about 10 years now but since I can't really use it, it doesn't matter that it doesn't run at the right speed.
 
Dang! I confess I fell into the very mode I also hate seeing on threads. Stuff like this:

OP: I'm trying to decide between the U-Turn or the Technics TT.
Poster: Have you considered the [insert brand here]? That's what I have and I love it!

In a very real way, I was that poster here. Sorry. ;)
Thanks for the apology. However, what has happened in the thread, and is common on audio chat sites, is that, basically, an atmosphere of intimidation takes over and discourages opposing opinions. It is a form of bullying. As far as this thread goes, I doubt, if anyone, who has something good to say about cheap belts, will come forward, for fear of the onslaught. And thus, the purpose of the thread, which should be up to the OP to decide, is pretty much defeated.
 
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