Thorens VN-150 Vinyl Nirvana Custom Built TD-150

Note: while this is the first time I've advertised on Audiogon, I have 100% feedback rating on eBay and have been a member since 1998. Check my feedback:  http://www.ebay.com/usr/jimmyrocket

This is a custom built Thorens TD-150 turntable by Vinyl Nirvana. Turntable guru Dave Archambault rebuilds Thorens turntables from the ground up restoring from the best of vintage Thorens parts and/or sourcing Thorens parts still being manufactured. His finish carpenter custom builds the plinths out of 3/4 inch solid wood. 

After the complete restoration and customized upgrades, this is now a “VN”-150. Here is the list of features and upgrades that are on this amazing table:

• Santos Mahogany plinth (solid ¾”)
• New acrylic set-on dust cover
• SME M2-9 Tonearm  $1099
• Extra SME M2-9 magnesium headshell  $169
• Van den Hul MC D501 Hybrid Halogen-free Audio RCA Interconnect Silver Shield Cables
• Custom cork-rubber composite mat
• Bren record clamp  $69
• Origin Live DC200 Upgrade Motor (their top motor picked for its quietness and less vibration)  $301
• Orign Live Upgrade Transformer (lowered impedance enabling higher instantaneous current to be delivered)  $440
• Origin Live Ultra Motor Controller (faster functioning circuit, stricter regulation, and lower noise)  $560

This very accurate playing VN-150 in my home feeds into the following chain:  Sutherland 20/20 dual mono phono stage –> Decware Torii Mk IV dual mono, all tube power amp –> Klipsch KG4 speakers with Crites’ titanium horn drivers and hand-built crossovers with upgrade Mundorf MCap Supreme capacitors.

The cartridge I’m currently using is a Dynavector 17D3 Karat moving coil. This should give you an idea of how revealing and accurate this turntable is. Other cartridges I rotate through are a Shelter 501 MkIII, Denon DL-103, and Ortofon 2M mono. The SME tonearm with its easy VTA adjustment makes for easy setup of cartridge changes.

If you add up all of the components purchased for this table’s build, it is approximately $2638 give or take for the fluctuation of the British Pound for the Origin Live components. The rebuilt table and custom plinth added another $1000. So, I have approximately $3638 invested in this table. With over a $1000 off of the new price, I think is very fair for a table of this caliber that has only been used in my smoke-free home for one year.

Ah, the final question… Why am I selling this table if it’s so great? Well, I don’t think I really have to say it, but feeding the audiophile addiction for my latest fix - I’ve got my eyes on an even more expensive deck and don’t have the funds to keep this as a spare… You know how it goes my friend ;)

Please note that this turntable is being sold without a cartridge. However, if you do not have your own or do not feel comfortable purchasing and installing on your own, I would be happy to consult you on a cartridge to purchase based on your music listening preferences, and if you are new to vinyl audio, I am also willing to install your cartridge and properly set up and balance the tonearm free of charge.

Serious potential buyers in the Seattle are welcome to visit my home to audition the turntable. You may also bring your own vinyl to audition with if it is clean and in good condition.

Here are the links to all the upgraded components that are on this turntable as well as their prices:

> SME M2-9 Tonearm:

http://www.smetonearms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=79

> Extra SME M2-9 magnesium headshell (I paid $169, but they are now only available from a supplier in Japan going for $499)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/322370703661?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

> Bren record clamp:

http://www.bren1recordclamp.com/page5.php

> Origin Live Upgrade Transformer:

http://www.originlive.com/turntable-parts-and-maintainance/turntables/spares-maintenance/upgrade-transformer-alone-uk-230v.html

> Origin Live Upgrade Motor DC200:

http://www.originlive.com/turntable-parts-and-maintainance/turntables/spares-maintenance/dc200-motor-alone.html

> Origin Live Motor Drive Ultra Control Box:

http://www.originlive.com/turntable-parts-and-maintainance/turntables/spares-maintenance/motor-drive-ultra-control-box-alone.html

To read about the builder of this amazing deck, please click the link and scroll down to:

 Why buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

Please note the following terms:

·         Only exact shipping costs will be charged and will be billed separately to the buyer (NOTE: the shipping estimator is wrong - I have access to discounted UPS rates which I will pass on to you. Once everything is double-boxed and weighed, you will get separate bill for true shipping costs, and when that payment is recieved, item will ship)

·         I will pay for insurance

·         Turntable ships in its original box which will then be doubled box for extra security

·         Original SME box & Origin Live boxes may be boxed as a separate shipment

·         The turntable is not being sold with a cartridge

·         I cannot be held responsible for improper cartridge setup/alignment or any resultant damages ensuing.

>>>> FREE PICKUP IN THE SEATTLE AREA!