Thorens TD-160B MkII Turntable / SME 3009 II Improved (S2) Tonearm

Here we have an example of the well regarded classic TD160B MkII turntable from Thorens. Still a popular choice in the vintage market because of its high level of ‘tweakability’, and in fact there are a fair number of companies who undertake everything from a minor set-up to a full blown restoration. It is combined with a SME Model 3009 Series II Improved (S2 - detachable headshell) Tonearm, and comes in generally good condition with a few blemishes commensurate with age, especially on the corners – please see photographs, It will be supplied in original factory packaging and has our usual three month warranty.
Thorens Say….
The TD160B MkII was a floating suspension belt-drive turntable manufactured by the Thorens Corporation. It has the 16-pole two-phase motor designed specifically to reduce stray magnetic flux and wow-and-flutter. The Thorens motor drives the turntable platter by means of a rubber belt, the natural elasticity of which prevents most motor vibrations from reaching the platter and therefore the pick-up stylus.
In more than 20 years of constant development, Thorens has reduced the very few disadvantages of belt drive to an absolute minimum bringing it to a level of technical perfection which is not approached by any other system known today.
One particular development is the Thorens acceleration clutch, which reduces the starting time and helps to eliminate chassis vibration and prevent the belt from stretching.
Thorens has decided to retain its own unique belt-drive system as long as no better drive system is developed in Thorens laboratories or elsewhere.
Every turntable must be damped by a suspension system to prevent the sensitive pick-up from environmental vibration and acoustic feedback. If springs are placed between the motor and turntable platter they fulfil the additional requirement of almost completely decoupling motor vibrations from the turntable and pick-up system.
The Thorens TD160B MkII has such a double chassis system. The platter and the tone arm are both mounted on a secondary chassis which is resiliently suspended from the main chassis carrying the motor.
The TD160B MkII turntable is driven by a 16 pole two-phase synchronous motor. This motor has two identical stators which work on the rotor at an angle of precisely 90°, thus creating a perfectly circular rotating field and resulting in optimum wow and flutter and rumble figures.
This construction also assists in reducing the magnetic stray flux to a minimum, thus preventing any disturbing hum induction on very sensitive pick-up cartridges.
As is the case with any synchronous motor, the speed of rotation is determined by the power frequency and by the number of poles used and, therefore, this will always remain constant regardless of aging, dirt or climatic conditions.
At a mains frequency of 50 Hz the motor rotates at a speed of only 375 rpm, with a speed of 450 rpm at 60 Hz, and because of this low speed, both the motor rumble figure and bearing wear are reduced to the absolute minimum.
The motor is controlled by the mains frequency, thus achieving a speed constant which may be compared with the precision of an electric clock.
Specifications:
Drive System: 1 step belt-drive
Motor: 16 pole two phase synchronous motor with slip clutch for instantaneous start
Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm mechanical speed selection
Motor Speed Control: synchronized by mains frequency
Turntable Platter: 3.2 kg zinc alloy dynamically balanced
Platter Diameter: 300 mm
Wow And Flutter: less than 0.06% According To DIN 45507
Rumble Weighted: - 65 dB according to DIN 45539
Rumble Unweighted: - 45 dB according to DIN 45539
Mains Voltage: 110 - 125 V, 210 - 240 V AC 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 2.5 Watt
Dimensions: 430 (W) x 360 (D) x 150 (H) mm (With Dust Cover)
SME Said….
SME Model 3009 Series II Improved precision pick-up arms combine latest design features with the same high quality engineering and finish that made their predecessors famous for more than a decade. Each arm is meticulously built and tested and will meet its specification reliably through many years of service. Skilful design and choice of materials combine high mechanical strength with low inertia and friction ensuring full suitability for professional as well as domestic application. Technically correct and aesthetically satisfying the SME has been called “The best pick-up arm in the world” and we believe you will find this to be true.
Sensitivity and strength combine with versatility to ensure the continuing popularity of the Series II Improved design which is available In two versions.
Model 3009/S2 is the standard arm having a typical pivot to stylus distance of 231.2 mm. Average effective mass is 12.5 grams. It is the one most frequently used and has a detachable headshell, S2, which is interchangeable with others of similar pattern.
Model 3009 is generally similar, but the headshell is non-detachable, saving weight and reducing the average effective mass to 9.5 grams. This can provide better matching for high compliance cartridges by raising the system resonance above the critical 5 – 8 Hz region in which excitation by record warp occurs.
Both models have a polished bright-anodised aluminium tone arm 9.5 mm diameter with a wall thickness of 0.56 mm. A fibrous lining assists the dissipation of acoustic information.
The S2 headshell is pressed from aluminium alloy, rationally perforated for lightness and strength.
Series II Improved arms are compact and easily adjustable. Their balance range can be widened if desired with one or another of the accessory weights offered for the purpose.
Straightforward design makes them a popular choice with enthusiasts and professional users throughout the world. Each arm is meticulously built and tested and will meet its specification reliably for many years.
Features & Specifications:
Low friction pivots. Vertical axis: high-precision, fully protected ballraces. Horizontal axis: 0.005” radius knife-edges rolling in planished chrome seating’s. Less than 0.02 gram applied at the stylus will deflect the arm
Low inertia. Fixed elements of the balance system are light. Movable elements are heavy and close to the fulcrum
Precise tracking force up to 1.5 grams applied without a tracking force gauge
Bias adjustable to correspond with tracking force
Base slides on bedplate for tracking adjustment with protractor
Fluid damped lowering and raising control.
Audio Cable: 1.22 m RCA Phono plugs
Dimensions:
Nominal Length: 231.2 mm (pivot to stylus)
Distance From Bedplate Centre To Turntable Centre: 215.4 mm
Tracking adjustment: ± 12.7 mm
Overall Height: 60.3 - 79.3 mm

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