Thorens TD-124 Turntable w/Graham Engineering Tonearm and New Hana MH Cartridge

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General:
The Thorens TD-124 is a super-collectible classic turntable drive from the famous Swiss manufacturer. It hash everything you need for super-reliable and great-sounding vinyl reproduction.

They're  incredibly reliable and have tons of features making it a custom turntable favorite along with the Garrard 301 and 401.

This particular TD-124 was rebuilt by the experts at STS Turntables located in Tennessee, so you know you're getting the best in performance and reliability (information on STS can be found here.)

During the restoration all belts and pulleys were replaced (and more), plus a fresh coat of gray automotive paint. It's now essentially a new drive that's ready for another 50 years of service. 

This turntable build features a custom Ebony plinth suitable for a second tonearm such as an SME, preferably a 12". Perfect for running a second cartridge such as a Hana SL Mk II Mono. It's made of multiple layers of super stable marine grade board, finished with a gorgeous real wood veneer that is polished to a shine. 

The tonearm we selected for this build is super special - a Graham engineering model 1.5 mounted with a  brand new perfectly calibrated Hana MH phono cartridge. The MH ($1200) is a high-output moving-coil design that's compatible with almost any phono stage. This will be calibrated using our 12 step process ($390).

Finally, for cabling we opted for Kimber Kable Specialty Series TAK-CU phono interconnects w/German-made WBT terminations ($490). The cables are shielded for better noise rejection and fit snugly onto any RCA jack thanks to their locking design.

More from Thorens:
A brilliant example of Swiss precision engineering and craftsmanship.
Superbly different, the TD-124 offers a host of exclusive features never before achieved in any other turntable, meeting the most exacting demands of broadcasting.

It's durability and performance specifications exceed NAB standards for studio equipment.

In the TD-124, Thorens has incorporated many outstanding features that open the way for discriminating music lovers to new and greater enjoyment from their music systems.

The turntable is unmatched for monophonic or stereophonic sound reproduction.

The drive system utilizes an extra compliant belt plus idler wheel to isolate any motor vibration and special shielding of the turntable flywheel, eliminates any induction of stray fields by magnetic pick-up cartridges

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some light wear seen on the plinth, overall good condition.

Brand Background:
Thorens is the oldest name in entertainment electronics, founded in 1883 by Hermann Thorens in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. The brand is still worldwide known for its high-quality record players. 

Thorens is a formerly Swiss manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. Thorens is historically renowned for the range of phonographs (turntables) the manufacturer produces. In addition to audio playback equipment, Thorens is also a historical producer of harmonicas and cigarette lighters, most notably the button actuated "automatic lighter".

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA Phono, Ground

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
- Speeds: 4-speed variable speed (+/-3%)
- Platter: 12", 11.5lbs table with separate non-magnetic aluminium shell cover
- Drive: precision built motor with extra compliant belt plus idler isolates motor vibration
- Power: 100/250V, 50/60Hz
- Wow / flutter / rumble: exceeds NAB specifications
- Tonearm: replaceable tonearm mounting board for 12" and 16" arms

Weight:
55 lbs.

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.