TunerLanding
Active Member
I got the idea to compare these two decks directly when I noticed that my newly acquired PD 264 has the same Shure cartridge as my main system TD 160, with the venerated Shure M95ED stylus (stock with the Premier cart on the Thorens, likely an aftermarket fitting on the Luxman). Otherwise both tables and tonearms are stock, midweight linear tracking arms. Bear in mind that the Thorens is of course belt-driven and heavy, whereas the Luxman is direct-drive from an apparently JVC motor in a slim lightweight chassis. I know on paper the deck AK members would expect to sound better but lets conduct the experiment nonetheless as they are both gorgeous tables.
To level the playing field, I'll compare songs from two records representing the era of each respective deck (11 years apart in manufacturing date.) 1971's Master of Reality by Black Sabbath, and 1982's Blackout by the Scorpions. I'll also pair the Sabbath record with an era correct AU666 amp and Acoustic Research 14 speakers. The Scorpions record will be paired with the matched Luxman L-410 amp and Boston Acoustics A200 speakers which sport midrange separates. I'm cracking a homemade Belgian ale. Let the games begin.
1A. I started with Sabbath's "Into the Void" with the Thorens. First impression is that yes this is a true vintage stereo, with a full deep classic sound. The doom rock guitar feels like it's coming from under the floor, not the AR14s. Very vertical soundstage, with the instruments and vocals separated wonderfully. No off sounds from the vinyl itself, just a very joyful pure sound with a warmth that tells you yes, this is a vinyl record. Midrange/vocals are perhaps subdued, but don't bleed into the thick sound of the instruments.
1B. Right away, the soundstage is not as enormous feeling with the Luxman. That said, I can hear the bass lines a bit clearer and tighter, a bit more differentiated from the guitar. Thinner sound, but more forward in the upper bass and lower midrange. Ozzy's voice feels like its more elevated over the instruments here. Overall presentation is less powerful, but the Luxman speaks to the midrange significantly better to my ear.
I give this one to the Thorens, as for the source material it's a better Rock sound with its depth, and the wider soundstage as well. However, I very much enjoyed the finer nuances of the Luxman. Close call. I also would expect the Thorens to handle high volumes better with its stable chassis and belt drive. Both track perfectly.
2A. From Blackout I of course chose "No One Like You" and started again with the TD 160. First of all, I can tell that this table benefits from a 3 way speaker; the balance of instruments presented is nearly perfect, perhaps a bit light on the snare. I'm amazed at how Klaus Meine's high falsetto voice is clearly separated from the lead guitar even where they match notes frequently. Even wider and more detailed soundstage with this system but a bit heavier in the top and bottom ends than the middle. No holes, mind you.
2B. Now, that midrange speaker on the A200s really adds excitement and power to the vocals and snare drum, and the SEAS tweeter helps widen the soundstage a bit, not quite as wide as the Thorens mind you. Here the thinner bass on the Luxman is more apparent with the smaller woofer.
Once again I prefer the Thorens, although the small gripes here could easily be overcome either way with a different Cartridge selection. I'm sure if I put a deeper cartridge, such as a Grado Red or Goldring E3 on the Luxman it will strengthen the bottom end, and many choices would really bring some more excitement to the midrange on the Thorens. The options are endless really.
In conclusion, as an owner of both tables, I'm actually impressed that the Luxman performed as well as it did with such competition. Reviews on 80's direct drive tables (that aren't Technics or Denon mind you) usually aren't favorable. I'm a fan of Luxman amplifiers, and I'm not surprised that they engineered a very nice deck that belies it's light weight. I'm going to keep them both, and play to their strengths. There wasn't much info on these Luxman turntables that I could find, I appreciate any additional thoughts on them for sure.
To level the playing field, I'll compare songs from two records representing the era of each respective deck (11 years apart in manufacturing date.) 1971's Master of Reality by Black Sabbath, and 1982's Blackout by the Scorpions. I'll also pair the Sabbath record with an era correct AU666 amp and Acoustic Research 14 speakers. The Scorpions record will be paired with the matched Luxman L-410 amp and Boston Acoustics A200 speakers which sport midrange separates. I'm cracking a homemade Belgian ale. Let the games begin.
1A. I started with Sabbath's "Into the Void" with the Thorens. First impression is that yes this is a true vintage stereo, with a full deep classic sound. The doom rock guitar feels like it's coming from under the floor, not the AR14s. Very vertical soundstage, with the instruments and vocals separated wonderfully. No off sounds from the vinyl itself, just a very joyful pure sound with a warmth that tells you yes, this is a vinyl record. Midrange/vocals are perhaps subdued, but don't bleed into the thick sound of the instruments.
1B. Right away, the soundstage is not as enormous feeling with the Luxman. That said, I can hear the bass lines a bit clearer and tighter, a bit more differentiated from the guitar. Thinner sound, but more forward in the upper bass and lower midrange. Ozzy's voice feels like its more elevated over the instruments here. Overall presentation is less powerful, but the Luxman speaks to the midrange significantly better to my ear.
I give this one to the Thorens, as for the source material it's a better Rock sound with its depth, and the wider soundstage as well. However, I very much enjoyed the finer nuances of the Luxman. Close call. I also would expect the Thorens to handle high volumes better with its stable chassis and belt drive. Both track perfectly.
2A. From Blackout I of course chose "No One Like You" and started again with the TD 160. First of all, I can tell that this table benefits from a 3 way speaker; the balance of instruments presented is nearly perfect, perhaps a bit light on the snare. I'm amazed at how Klaus Meine's high falsetto voice is clearly separated from the lead guitar even where they match notes frequently. Even wider and more detailed soundstage with this system but a bit heavier in the top and bottom ends than the middle. No holes, mind you.
2B. Now, that midrange speaker on the A200s really adds excitement and power to the vocals and snare drum, and the SEAS tweeter helps widen the soundstage a bit, not quite as wide as the Thorens mind you. Here the thinner bass on the Luxman is more apparent with the smaller woofer.
Once again I prefer the Thorens, although the small gripes here could easily be overcome either way with a different Cartridge selection. I'm sure if I put a deeper cartridge, such as a Grado Red or Goldring E3 on the Luxman it will strengthen the bottom end, and many choices would really bring some more excitement to the midrange on the Thorens. The options are endless really.
In conclusion, as an owner of both tables, I'm actually impressed that the Luxman performed as well as it did with such competition. Reviews on 80's direct drive tables (that aren't Technics or Denon mind you) usually aren't favorable. I'm a fan of Luxman amplifiers, and I'm not surprised that they engineered a very nice deck that belies it's light weight. I'm going to keep them both, and play to their strengths. There wasn't much info on these Luxman turntables that I could find, I appreciate any additional thoughts on them for sure.
