Thorens TD-124 Turntable with Concrete Plinth and New Lyra Delos MC Cartridge

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

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.

It was fully refreshed by replacing all worn parts, while servicing, lubricating and adjusting the rest.  It works flawlessly tracking to the exact displayed speeds like it should, and fells crisp and responsive. 

The drive is finished in a beautiful dark blue metallic paint, copied from a super popular Porsche blue. We find that it works beautifully with the black arm board and concrete plinth.  

I think this is the best looking TD124 to come out of our shop.  

Yes, this turntable has a real concrete plinth that adds not only mass but a cool industrial look to the build.

The sides of the ninth  are super smooth and built to a high standard. They are hand crafted in Germany and look stunning, plus its ability to resist micro-vibrations and provides a super solid foundation for the drive.  

The 'table is fitted with a brand new Ortofon AS-212R tonearm. We like this arm as it accepts headshells with universal mounts so changing cartridges is very easy. It comes complete with its original box with all tools and accessories.  

Mounted on this 'table will be a brand new Lyra Delos MC (Moving-Coil)phono cartridge ($2,195). This cartridge be calibrated using our incredibly detailed and obsessive 12-step process ($390) which comes with documentation of the results.  Other cartridges are possible, just drop us a note or call (201) 879-0000 x101.  

Also included will be a brand new length Kimber Kable  "TAK-CU" specialty series Phono cable in a 1 meter length with DIN to RCA terminations. This is our favorite price to performance cable fitted with German-made WBT locking RCA connectors.  

Then we finished it off with a super simple but elegant acrylic dust cover which attaches to the spindle.  

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:
Drive looks almost perfect. Very good condition overall.

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".

Connections:
RCA Phono output

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

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", 11.5 lbs 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:
50 lbs.

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.