garymd Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 Anyone have access to a User Manual? I found a pdf on VinylEngine but it doesn't work. All others I've found are copies I'd have to order for a fee. I wouldn't mind paying a couple bucks but I'm setting it up tomorrow morning and don't have time. I found the Service Manual and downloaded it with no problem. It's not much help to me though. If anyone with TD145 MkII experience has advice regarding overhang, anti-skating or anything else, I would greatly appreciate the help. JBryan - If you're out there, I understand this is your old table. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. It has this crazy 3-piece headshell that looks like a possible PITA for mounting a cart solo which is what I'll be doing with my new M97xe. BTW - Anyone in the market for an M97xe, I highly recommend Amazon where it was $54 all-in. I chose the free 5-7 day shipping instead of the extra $6 for 2-3 day and it arrived in 2 days anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 As Gary and I know, the Shure carts also come with THE BEST alignment protractor in the business! It can't be bought separately -- I've tried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 14, 2009 Author Share Posted March 14, 2009 This 4 piece headshell is the biggest PITA I've ever worked with. I just spent an hour and could not get the cart mounted on the arm to the point where I could begin adjustment. What a POS! Looks like I might have to pay someone to mount it for me. I thought those days were long over for me......sigh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 Are you in Delaware? Any chance I could do something good with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 14, 2009 Author Share Posted March 14, 2009 Thanks for the offer Larry and don't think that wasn't the first thing that came to mind. However, where there's a will, there's a way as they say. This headshell really blows so I just bypassed it altogether and just used the piece that holds the cart onto the tonearm and stored the rest away. I now must use the tonearm instead of the little finger that extends from the headshell to move it in place. The rest was easy and I'm now listening to Van Morrison on the Cornwalls and it sounds just wonderful. Not like my other 2 vinyl setups but the sound certainly tops most of my CDs. For $154, it's a vinyl rig anyone would be proud of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 This headshell really blows so I just bypassed it altogether and just used the piece that holds the cart onto the tonearm and stored the rest away. I now must use the tonearm instead of the little finger that extends from the headshell to move it in place. Say what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkrop Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Gary> You have to be logged in to access the downloads on vinyl engine, it won't tell you, but I bet that is your problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 Gary> You have to be logged in to access the downloads on vinyl engine, it won't tell you, but I bet that is your problem. I was logged in. A couple other folks tried and had no success. It's just a bad link. Allan - Are you familiar with that headshell? It comes in 4 pieces, one of which is a black plastic piece that snaps onto the arm and has 2 holes to hold on the cart. The rest is just for looks and convenience. It works just fine. Maybe I'll post a pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 Trust me when I say the rest of the headshell is for looks only. This works just fine for my purposes until someone volunteers to come over and help me put the rest of the puzzle together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 Here's a stock pic of a 145 MkII: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 I have never seen that tonearm before. Just shows that you learn something new every day!! When I think "Thorens Tonearm" I think of THIS one which was on just about every mid-range Thorens I have ever seen! It is removed in the same manner as an SME arm. I feel your pain--that is one goofy looking setup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Yes Allan, that's what's on my TD125 MK II with the totally plastic gimbal thingie. ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 I have never seen that tonearm before. Just shows that you learn something new every day!! When I think "Thorens Tonearm" I think of THIS one which was on just about every mid-range Thorens I have ever seen! It is removed in the same manner as an SME arm. I feel your pain--that is one goofy looking setup! That's the one I had on my 160 and what I was hoping was on the 145. I think the 145 must be the cheapest, crappiest TT Thorens ever built. Doesn't even have fake wood grain! It sounds OK, too much bass (can you say tone controls?) but is adequate for my purposes. It still sounds great in my family room but so does everything else I've tried in there. I have to turn the bass down almost all the way on my 299b! As soon as I figure out how to adjust the VTA, I think I need to raise the back of the arm a bit which should tame the bass somewhat. BTW - The finger lift is actually 2 separate pieces and if you can't screw it in from underneath, the rest of the headshell won't stay together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkrop Posted March 15, 2009 Share Posted March 15, 2009 I downloaded the manual and service manuals and they're fine, I just don't know how to insert them into this message.... duh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 15, 2009 Author Share Posted March 15, 2009 I downloaded the manual and service manuals and they're fine, I just don't know how to insert them into this message.... duh Really? Would you mind sending it to me in an email? gdpowers@chevychasebank.net I would be forever grateful! Thanks! - Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Gary, a new 145 thread popped up at VA. Might be worth following? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 That's funny! I had the exact same issues as the poster; oversized spindle like many Thorens tables I've owned and some setup issues. Mine sounds just dandy right now but a friend who does this stuff for a living is going to take a look at it next week to make sure I didn't miss anything and to adjust the VTA for me. With some of my quiet Japanese pressings, the table sounds magnificent. With other "not-so-perfect" records, you hear every flaw. If there's a single flake of dust in the grooves, you'll know. Thanks pal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.