Price Paid:  $600.00 from E-Bay

Summary:
I purchased this turntable based upon the reviews I had read on the WEB and looked forward to what appeared to be a beautifully made and unused turntable that is frequently billed as a tremendous value for the money. I eagerly unpacked the turntable and had it set up in a matter of a few minutes. Eagerly I open a new, sealed 180 gram album for the occasion, cleaned it, and placed it upon the platter. After lowering the tone arm I closed my eyes in anticipation of the expected slightly warm but musical and netural sound. When the music started I cringed in dissapointment at the tinny reproduction generated by a substandard tonearm and embarrassingly cheap standard cartridge. I experimented with different cartridges but with the standard tonearm it made little difference. I had the table checked at the local audiophile turntable shop but to no avail. Perhaps my table was a lemon and thus does not reflect how this model normally performs. All I can confirm is that no one could make the beautiful Thorens 295 Mk IV sing as we all thought it should !!! I subsequently sold my turntable for what I paid for it.

Strengths:
Beautiful mahogny plinth and dead on accurate platter speed. Very simple to unpack and set up.

Weaknesses:
Sound quality sounds like it is coming through a tin can. Cheap tone arm and standard power supply. Forget the standard cartridge that is best suited for a kiddie record player.

Similar Products Used:
Project Experience, Linn LP-12 with Van Den Hul Frog Cartridge

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Sydney

Summary:
The TD 295 Mk 4 is a very nice looking turntable. I chose the shiny black model. My main reason for purchasing this model was the opto shut off. I work at home and can get caught up on lengthy phone calls so the shut off was the main criteria for my purchase. The deck is fitted with an Ortofon super OM 40 cartridge and I am very pleased with the sound. It also has a speed switch which many good players do not have these days. As I own many old 45's, not having to lift the platter to change the belt up a cog is a big plus for me.
Save for a small modification I made to the arm rrest, I am very happy with this player.

Strengths:
Good looks
Ease of operation
Auto shut off

Weaknesses:
Flimsy arm rest allows pick up to fall on to platter if moved to the right of rest.

Similar Products Used:
TD 190