Thorens TD 166

A cost-reduced sibling of the TD 160 sharing the same suspended sub-chassis and belt drive but with a simpler tonearm and trim, produced in several Mk versions into the 1980s. It offered most of the 160's performance at a lower price.

The budget back-door into classic Thorens suspended-deck sound, still cheap on the used market.

Who it suits

Best suited to: buyers comfortable assessing used condition and budgeting for servicing (drive mechanism, bearing, stylus). Less ideal for: a no-hassle purchase with a manufacturer warranty — buy a current model instead.

Good to know

• No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
• This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the drive belt (often perished or stretched with age) and bearing, plus the stylus regardless.

Specifications

Where to buy the Thorens TD 166

2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.

Compare it

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More from Thorens

Vintage Thorens TD 145 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £200 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 280 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £100 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 150 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £220 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 160 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £300 typical used