('72-'76)  $1100  (mint with extras)

"Considered by many the gold standard by which other turntables are judged, the TD-160 has endured."

Obtained locally from the original owner, this legendary Thorens TD-160 MK1 turntable is in absolutely mint cosmetic condition, fully serviced and 100% fully functional.   This unit is mostly original including the TP-16 tonearm and factory headshell.  The platter mat is not original.
Both RPM speeds are perfect. 

Extras include:
~New Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge & stylus
~New proprietary Thorens branded belt
~New chrome isolation feet with rubber pads

The Back Story:
NOTE: the following information was copied from various online sources regarding the Thorens TD-160:

"The famed Thorens TD-160 is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to classic vintage turntables models. The Swiss clock company first launched its phonograph division back in 1903 when much of the world didn’t even know what a turntable was. That changed in 1928 when Thorens produced their first electric (motor-driven) record player and quickly became one of the most heralded phonograph machine manufacturers in the world. 

Honing their craft over the years, the company went on to develop an entire range of audiophile record players in the 50’s and 60’s. In 1965, building on the suspension chassis design of Acoustic Research’s XA model, they created their first suspended table, the Thorens TD-150. The entry level TD-160 would be introduced in 1972 and go on to become the company’s most popular seller, with its manufacturing and production continuing pretty much nonstop for the next two decades. It was the apex of the 1970’s hi-fi boom and there was no shortage in demand for these specialized audiophile units.

A lot of thought went into the stability within the design of this machine, making it an exceptionally quiet playing unit. At the basic level, the TD-160 is in fact a minimal yet stylistically handsome record playing machine. With its sturdy (usually) wooden-framed plinth and stance, it exudes stability and commands respect as part of any hi-fi set up based on its aesthetics alone. Simple in theory but technical in its construction, the Thorens TD-160 is a belt driven turntable with a floating sub-chassis suspended by three adjustable springs. The sub-chassis carry the main bearing via a mounting platform for its pickup arm. Which means that the turntable platter and arm are both rigidly coupled to a common sprung chassis, making them entirely independent of the plinth. When adjusted correctly, this innovative design ensures exceptional isolation from feedback and plays a vital role in the fidelity of the deck.

The sub-chassis and suspension construction allows a lower center of gravity, and because the mass stabilization of the sub-chassis and outer frame are so well balanced, the entire system is untethered from almost anything that might make noise and vibrations. The build quality on these things is fantastic. If properly maintained and cared for, a Thorens can last a lifetime or two of pure listening enjoyment."

Specs:
Drive system: Electronically controlled, 16-pole synchronous motor with belt drive
Record speeds: 33.3 and 45 rpm
Turntable platter: Non-magnetic zinc alloy, 12", 7 lbs
Wow and flutter: 0,06% (weighted)
Rumble: -48 dB (unweighted), -68dB (weighted)
Dimensions: 17"D x 13.5"W x 6.75"H
Net weight: 18 lbs

About Thorens...
We found an excellent link that does a deep dive into the origins and history of Thorens:

http://www.stefanopasini.it/images/Thor1215.pd

(early 80's)  $250

This Thorens TD-105 MKii turntable is in excellent cosmetic condition and, of course, it's fully operational.   This unit is a semi-automatic with a friction-free velocity-sensing electronic shut-off and automatic return of the tone arm.  Photo-sensitive backlit buttons for 33 or 45 activate the platter with a slight touch of the finger.  

Main features:

Servo-controlled electronic belt-drive systemSensor feather-touch controlLow resonance tonearm tube utilizing split-wave technology

One especially cool feature:  It has an electronic servo-controlled drive system and the ISOTRACK TP 22 tonearm "wand" (Note: it's called a wand because the entire arm slips out of the pivot for easy cartridge change)  Included is a brand new Audio Technica TT-VM95C cartridge and stylus  

Originally, this model was designed to attract those who wanted the "typical" Thorens quality but didn't have the bucks to buy their more expensive units.  The TD-105 is a belt-drive turntable completely designed and manufactured by the Thorens Corporation.   It has a brand new belt and the original dust cover is perfect as well.

Apparently, Thorens decided that, in order to save money, they chucked out any ideas involving wood and went with a black resin base (plinth).  In order to slightly enhance the "plasticky" look of the plinth, we upgraded the exterior panels with real mahogany veneer on the front and sides.  At Cherry Vintage Audio we always say "if ain't got any wood, it's just not as good"

About Thorens...
Here is an excellent link that does a deep dive into the origins and history of Thorens:

http://www.stefanopasini.it/images/Thor1215.pdf

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(1978)  $400 

In absolutely perfect cosmetic condition, fully serviced and fully operational, this Realistic Lab 400 turntable was one of the top 3 turntables to ever come from Radio Shack (affectionately referred to as the "Shack").  At the time of release it was right there sharing kudos with the Lab 500 at the top of the turntable lineup in the early 80's.   

Designed in-house by Tandy's own engineers and constructed by CEC (Chuo Denki Co, LTD Japan), it was sold exclusively by Radio Shack.  At the time of its release in 1978, the Lab-400 was proudly described by Radio Shack as the "finest turntable we’ve ever offered!"

The 400 is practically identical to the 420 except the 400 has the traditional S-shaped arm vs the straight pipe arm on the 420.  Essentially, the Lab 400 is fully automatic so you never have to touch the tonearm. Just pick the correct record size and push the start switch. The 16 pole brushless DC servomotor does the job with ratings of 0.03% wow and flutter and better than 63dB rumble. 

Its reputation is well deserved and best described as a heavy (16 lbs), very solid, direct-drive, automatic deck with selectable repeating play.  With very precise speed and onboard strobe, the pitch controls allow for any future minor speed adjustments if necessary.  

The static balanced S-shaped tonearm has a beautiful real timberwood headshell.  The tonearm's thoughtful design has it operating independently by a second motor.  And, because the tonearm has its own DC motor, it’s completely independent of the platter drive.  Also, the headshell comes mounted with a brand new Ortofon Omega cartridge and stylus.   

The 3.1 lb diecast platter dampens acoustic resonance and eliminates exterior vibrations.  This platter rests directly atop a powerful DC servo-motor for accurate, rock-steady speed.  The original factory feet have custom padded foam pads to help prevent any unwanted resonance.

Designed to be completely operated even with the dust cover lowered, the out-front controls include: 
~Start/stop switch...
~Repeat switch that lets you continuously play one side of a record... 
~Damped cueing switch that gently and precisely lifts and lowers the stylus...
~33/45 RPM control button...
~Pitch control dial...
~Dimensions: 5.5"H x 17.5"W x 14"D

('77-'78)  $300  (pristine)

In absolutely pristine cosmetic and working condition, this one owner Realistic Lab-300 turntable was Radio Shack's top of the line single-play two-speed turntable in 1977.  

Priced at about $160, it was marketed as a "precision belt-drive manual" even though the Lab 300 is, in reality, a semi-automatic turntable with arm return and shut off at the end of play.  At the time, Realistic intended that the Lab 300 would have such a high quality design, it should be compared to some of the more expensive and "better" manual turntables available.

NOTE:  Radio Shack (compared to all the other companies) rarely advertised in the HifI magazines back in the day.  Their catalogs were well known and appreciated by consumers.  However, when it came to the Lab 300 turntable, they were so confident of its features, design and low price that they ran full page ads in Stereo Review magazine...that was an expensive corporate decision at the time.

The attractive walnut veneer base supports a spring-loaded plinth with special "vibration isolation" guards to prevent jarring and groove jumping.  More importantly, it has a very reliable 4-pole synchronous motor which stays on speed even during voltage fluctuations.

Features include:
~The custom timberwood headshell comes with an excellent Signet TK3EA cartridge and correct pristine 3EA stylus
~A steel hinged pristine dust cover that holds steady at any angle for easy record changes. 
~Cueing / pause lever that raises and lowers the stylus into the groove;
~Adjustable anti-skating which helps to minimize stylus and record wear
~2.5 lb cast aluminum platter helping to reduce wow and flutter 
~Balanced S-shaped tonearm which has a point to stylus length of 8.5" for very accurate tracking.
~New "Corkey" cork n' rubber platter mat
~Custom foam pads under the original feet for added anti-resonance protection

About Realistic (Radio Shack, Tandy Corp)...
Realistic branded vintage stereo gear is all over the place.  Some of it is right up there in quality with the best of Pioneer, Sansui, etc.  Also, some of it is just...ok.   Their best era was during the 70's when they successfully competed head-to-head with all the big names in high fidelity.  They sourced practically all their products from Japan and sometimes had the exact same components inside their gear as the competition but at a much lower price.  

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(2024)  $400 (includes Ortofon Blue)
             $225 (includes AT95e)

NOTE: The Fluance RT81 is identical to the RT-84 except for the differences in the headshell and cartridges.

This essentially new Fluance RT84 / RT81 stereo turntable comes with your choice of a brand new Ortofon Blue cartridge and stylus mounted on an Ortofon black headshell or the Audio Technica AT95e cartridge mounted on the Fluance headshell.
It has less than ten hours of use since purchased new.

Although described as a manually-operated turntable, there is an "auto-off" switch on the back that conveniently turns off the motor at end of play in case you doze off while listening.  Although it does have a switchable (built-in) preamp, we heartily recommend its use in the more traditional manner by connecting it to the phono inputs on your amp or receiver.  You will have much better sound (in our opinion).

Originally priced at around $499, most retailers offered discounts as low as $450.  Although it's accurately described as a mid-fi turntable, it's packed with high-end features that squeeze it into audiophile territory.
It offers a solid audio-grade MDF plinth finished in a glossy walnut and a servo-controlled DC motor that delivers 0.07% wow/flutter.

Fluance equipped the RT84 with a pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical cartridge—components that would typically be upgrades at this price range.  The RT-81 came with the Fluance  headshell and the AT95e cartridge.

Compared to a lot of the other turntable brands flooding the market these days, Fluance is known for its fine-tuned technical details, that make the difference between a decent-sounding record player, and one that fills the room with warm, smooth, detailed sound. Their servo-controlled belt drive motor delivers more precise playback, while a speed-regulating optical sensor measures and adjusts variances in velocity and acceleration to help reduce skipping or lag.

The materials used in this Fluance aren’t just aesthetic either – underneath that lustrous glossy walnut, the solid wood chassis helps to reduce resonance, while anti-resonant feet keep the unit stable (and off the table or bookshelf, to further reduce interference).

Other features:
~belt-drive motor,
~aluminum platter and custom mat,
~balanced S-type aluminum tonearm, ~anti-skating adjustment
~switchable pre-amp
~dust cover
~gold-plated RCA connectors

About Fluance...
Fluance, founded in 1999 by Deepak Jain in Niagara Falls, Canada, has become a significant player in the hi-fi industry. Jain loves music and wanted to recreate the live concert experience at home. So, he created high-quality audio systems that offer great value and founded the company! Fluance now provides a wide variety of affordable AV products, such as powered speakers, turntables, and home audio products, all of which are designed to produce high fidelity audio.
Deepak Jain's journey to creating Fluance was rooted in his dream to deliver exceptional sound that captures the essence of music. Wanting more from existing audio equipment, he designed his own speakers, leading to the launch of Fluance in 1999.
The name "Fluance" was intentionally chosen. It reflects the company's dedication to high-quality sound. The Latin word for "flowing" or "wave" gives rise to "Flu." The suffix "ance" means "a state of being." Together, they form "Fluance." It symbolizes the company's goal to create a seamless audio experience.

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(Germany '73-'74)  $300 (near mint)

This very reliable, well-built Dual 1225 comes with the United Audio real walnut base and the original tinted dustcover.   This turntable is in absolutely excellent cosmetic condition and operates flawlessly. 

The 1225 is a fully automatic turntable with one touch start and auto-return. The tonearm also has soft cueing. The 2-speed, idler-drive mechanism has pitch controls for speed accuracy. The single play spindle and the multi-play, disc-changer (taller) spindle is included.  For those that prefer the hands-on approach, the turntable can be operated manually yet will still return and shutoff at end of play.

The torsionally rigid tubular aluminium tonearm has vertical pivot mounting and a horizontal self-adjusting pivot mount. 
The removable sled has a Shure M55E cartridge and new N55E stylus.

The 1225 is best described as a "middle-of-the-line" deck for Dual; higher up the chain than the 1224, 1222 or 1221, but lower in the hierarchy than the 1229, 1228 and 1226. It was, however, the bread-and-butter of the Dual lineup having sold by the thousands in the USA and even more in Europe.

Specs:
Drive: Four-pole asynchronous motor
Platter weight: 3.1 lbs
Speeds: 33.3 and 45rpm
Pitch control: 6% adjustable at both platter speeds
Wow and flutter: +-0.15%
Headshell (sled): removable, suitable for all 1/2" mount cartridges 2-10g
Weight: 12 lbs

About Dual...
Instead of our usual back story, here is a wonderful link to the amazing history of Dual:

https://www.stereolifemagazine.com/articles/item/1546-over-a-century-of-spinning-a-history-of-dual

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