Warm sound

Belt slipping

It gives warm and good sounds...but I throw off on my backyard. Because belt slipping problem is really up set for me!!!

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Technics, Linn, Rega

Very Quiet while running, very good reproduction of album's sound

See below

I bought this turntable at one of those high end audio shops where they serve tea and cookies while you listen to potential purchases. I really wanted a high quality turntable that would be an excellent tool for archiving purposes of albums as well as listening to high end recordings like Mobile Fidelity albums.

For the first few months, I was fairly satisfied with the Thorens. I upgraded the cartrige immediately. The MK IV turntable provided a very warm, accurate reproduction of whatever I listened to and was very quiet as far as picking up any sounds from the moter, etc. Like other owners, I didn't care much for the way the stylus would abruptly "thump and click" at the end of an album. I also didn't care much for the rinky-dink balancing system used at the end of the tonearm.

However, I soon started having problems with the belt slipping off the platter spindle even though I had probably put only 40 hours worth of use on it. This seems to be a design flaw as there are no grooves to keep the belt from slipping of either the motor or spindle and they are both slighty convex shaped, allowing this to happen easily. Within six months, I started having problems with the tonearm lifting by itself in the middle of play and lately, the player's spindle drive will shut off if the tonearm goes any further then about 2/3rds the way in which makes playing any 45 rpm single impossible.

To make matters worse, the dealer that sold me this turntable has gone out of business.

This is probably the worse experience I've ever had with any audio product. I cannot recommend this turntable to anyone for any price due to the numerous problems I've had. I will not buy another Thorens' product.

Contrary to several other reviewers I have found the Thorens 280 Mk IV to be a no-nonsense, quality performer. Combined with a Stanton 500 E III it brings out the best in classical and instrumental music. For the price I certainly have no complaints. I'd rate it 4-star.

I've had the Thorens 280 Mk IV for over 2 years and I think it's great! I'm using a decent Audio Technica cartridge. (I'm completely blanking on the model number; need coffee) The vinyl sounds wonderful on it. I agree with the earlier posts about how annoying the "Thud!" can be when a side finishes but I've learned to live with it. This turntable is a no nonsense music maker. It's easy to use (my wife can flip the sides) and it's given me lots of pleasure. I give it 4 stars because of the "Thud!" and poorly written manuel.
TF

I purchased the 280 Mk IV from J&R two years ago and I am pleased to say that its performance is consistent with the reputation of Thorens. The combination of the simple beltdrive, all wood core construction and large padded feet have contributed to the quiet operation of the TT. I replaced the Stanton 500 cartridge with a Shure V15 cartridge that I believe is more revealing and detailed in the upper frequencies. When I first purchased the TT the dustcover was difficult to open and close but I soon realized that the tension of the hinges could be adjusted with a simple screwdriver (The poorly edited manual should have mentioned this option) it now opens and closes to my liking. I was particularly impressed with the performance of the cueing control at the front of the TT. The smooth operation of the placement of the tonearm onto the LP is still a sight to be seen even after two years of ownership. Overall the 280 serves its purpose well for a reasonable price and deserves at least four stars IMO.