Just bought a TT but another is right here staring me in the face..Which one?

Do you know which tonearm you have on your TD-160? The early models were typically the TP-16 with removable TP-60 headshell.

As much as I love my 3 remaining (modded) TD-160 BC MK II Thorens tables, I believe stock for stock, the VPI is better than the basic TD-160.

I think they were somewhat based on the basic Thorens design, but tweaked with better parts available when they were produced.

the http://www.stereophile.com/turntables/384vpi/index.html

Thorens has a serious following but I've always been partial to VPI. I have a real nice Scout II setup in my secret location. You win with either choice but I think...think you have more options available with the VPI. I'm not a vinyl expert, only a simple user so the other folks will have to add to that.

The Thorens machines are built like tanks, but you have to be willing to get inside of them to keep them at their peak because they are getting older now.

I've sold off about 10 of my various TD145's/160's/165's/166's so I'm down to just 4 160's now. I think the 160's were the best built, but like the BC MK II's best which shipped without tonearms (and therefore no Thorens lift lever front right).

The 160's had the larger (10mm) diameter platter shaft on a cast magnesium inner platter where some later 165 and 166 models went to 7mm on a polymer inner platter. The polymer was argued to be less resonant, but the 7mm bearing cheapened the units. Thorens also dynamically balanced the all cast zinc units.

The TD 160 motors will last a long, long time, but need to be properly lubed with a special non-gumming oil every 5 or so years. Even at this age, my TD-160's spin at precisely 33-1/3, (I have replaced capacitors on a couple). Original Thorens brand belts are a must (and are getting scarce) and are the other half of proper speed regulation.

A solid wood (birch) plinth and a bit of internal damping material also helps things along.

Tweaked and with the right tonearm/cartridge setup, the Thorens is hard to beat, but you have to love to and know how to do the tweaking.

I think the VPI is perhaps a better stock machine, but think the Thorens may be better when properly maintained and tweaked.

It's funny that today you caught me completley old-school, listening to vinyl using my NAD 1700 pre (GREAT phono section), NAD 2600A amp, SDA 2B TL's and a TD-160 BC MK II set up with a Grace 707 tonearm and Stanton 681 EEE MM Cartridge/Stylus. It is an incredibly musical matchup, ironically without a single tube in the mix!

I forgot 1 key point. Turntables need record clamps. Most Thorens were built with a very short shaft and it is hard to properly clamp. The VPI I believe comes with a clamp stock and has a longer shaft.

If you can ever get your hands on Joe's "The Clamp", it provides an important improvement and may not grip the Thorens as well as the VPI. I use a Basis Reflex on the Thorens that the Clamp won't grip and while good, The Clamp is better.