Model: TD 160 MK I
Years of Production: 1972 - 1976
This table was purchased new in 1975, Portland, Oregon, USA by author.
Leading a pampered life (as most turntables do), this TD-160 MK I tracks an LP. Standard issue on the MK I was the TP-16 arm with the magnesium TP-60 plug-in head-shell. The cartridge is a Shure V15VxMR. The unit sits atop a Brite-Star ISO-Rock isolation platform. The platform serves to further isolate this suspended turntable.
Table serial number : 183850
other ID on metalic sticker tag located on plinth under platter:
V - 117~
W - 1.5
Hz - 60
Type TD-160
Made in Germany
Inside photos of the TD-160 MK I
Under the bottom
cover.
Suspension spring assy.
Top view, platters and belt removed.
Driven sub-platter removed.
Platter
drive.
MK I TP16 Tonearm
DIY leather mat
Notes:
Observations by Thorens tweakers from around the world.
Bushman on Asylum says the following:
1) The sub-chassis plate is the same as found on the TD-166 and TD-165, various models.
2) The spring assembly does not seem to have the tapered spacer like found on the TD-166 MK VI. This spacer helps setting the bounce correct. On a TD-165 I have, also without the tapered spacer I also managed to get a good bounce.
3) The sub platter is metal and on the TD-166 and the TD-165 it is plastic. It does seem as if the shaft on the TD-160 sub platter has a larger diameter than on the TD-166 / 165.
4) The motor looks like the one found on the TD-150 and the TD-165 I have, the 220Volt/110Volt version. The newer 16Volt version looks exactly the same.
5) The clutch system on the motor is the same as found on the TD-166 and TD-165 models. The TD-150 has a normal pulley.
6) The speed changer is the same as found on other models. I removed the one on my TD-166 completely :-)
7) It will be interesting to know as I am not sure, but I think the TD-160 has a heavier platter than the other models discussed here.
Site owner comments:
RE: item 3, and shaft diameter measures .393 inches (9.98mm). Diameter measurements were made with a dial caliper so accuracy of the reading is approximately +- .001 inches (.0254mm).
RE: item 7, the platter weights on the above TD-160 are 5 lbs. (2.27 kg) outer and 2 lbs. (.91 kg) inner. Weight measures were made with a bathroom scale so above weights are approximate.
Willbewill on Asylum says the following:
Just a couple of comments regarding TD-160 and TD-165 that I own:
Neither has (or has ever had) a safety post, just the small motor mounting screws which still have securing paint on them - seems like at some time in production this was changed? Serial no.s are TD-160: 090697 and TD-165: 015200
Also, the TD-165 does not have the same clutch pulley as on the TD-160, it is a clutchless design.
PS: Both the platters on my TD-160 and TD-165 are identical and weigh exactly 2kg.
Regards,
Malcom