Thorens TD-147 Museum Quality

I purchased this Thorens deck new at a local store in the early 80's just as CD's were just taking off. After its purchase, I ended up playing a single record a handful of times and lost interest in vinyl.  It sat on a shelf for several months before I packed it away before heading off to college.  Since then, it's been sitting assembled in its original packing until recently.

It seems music media has come full circle and vinyl is back again.  Last month, I decided to bring the old girl out of hibernation.  What I heard was eye opening; warm, dynamic with a fluidity my high-res recordings can't conveying.  That said, I don't own many records, and have decided not to recreate my library, so I'm passing on the opportunity for someone else to own this legendary Thorens.

This turntable is a virtual time capsule.  It's complete with original felt dust cover bumpers (never installed), spacers, screws & washers, adjustment mirror, and even the original silica pouch.  I've even kept the stickers which were affixed to the bottom.  It's still outfitted with the original cartridge purchase with the TD-147, a classic MM Audio Technica AT15E, in essentially perfect condition.

As you can see from the photos, it's in superb original condition.  The wood is glossy and looks new, the rubber is supple, the mechanism moves flawlessly and aside from a few light marks on the top of the dust cover, it's virtually brand new.  I'm rating it 9 to be safe, but if it weren't for the dust cover swirling which could easily be polished, it would be a 10.

As mentioned above, I also have all of the original packing materials.  I've purchased a new belt which will arrive any day and will come with sale. Surprisingly, the original belt works without any slippage, but as they say, it's only original once in case the new owner wants to put it away as a point of interest.  The documents are reprints from Vinyl Engine's website.  The footers were used to float the table for photos, but are available for an additional $60 which includes shipping.

The TD-147 is coming into its own as a true collectible and gaining momentum in value fueled by the renaissance of analog.  Fair to average versions fetch $500 to $900 without a cartridge, and mint, 1-owner versions, rare as they are, have sold for much more.  Short of a NOS (if any exists), this is the best original TD-147 in existence.  As is true of all Thorens tables, they're meant to be enjoyed, but this example just happens to be near museum quality.

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