Thorens TD124/II Turntable - Open Box Condition - W/ New Ortofon SPU and Tonearm

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General:
The Thorens TD124 is a classic turntable from the famous Swiss manufacturer, offering everything you need for reliable and great-sounding vinyl reproduction. As a MkII variant, it includes upgrades such as an improved suspension system, and an updated aluminum platter compared to earlier models. It is no wonder why these turntables were used by professionals when released and remain widely used by audiophiles today.

This particular TD124 drive is incredibly rare, having remained in open-box condition with zero visible wear. It sat untouched in its original box for decades, resulting in an exceptionally well-preserved piece that shows no signs of use.

The turntable is housed in a black wood plinth, and a custom armboard was manufactured for its brand-new Ortofon AS-212R tonearm (3529.99). This tonearm is our go-to for custom builds requiring a 9-inch arm. It is beautifully made and a joy to use.

Included and mounted is a brand-new Ortofon SPU GTX-E phono cartridge ($1363.99) and a new Kimber Kable TAK-CU Phono Interconnect (1m) ($596). We feel that an Ortofon SPU is the perfect match for this turntable's age and aesthetic, and it sounded exceptional during testing.

The original box will also be included and handled with care for the new owner to preserve alongside the turntable.

More From Thorens:
A brilliant example of Swiss precision engineering and craftsmanship.
Superbly different, the TD124 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 TD124, 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:
Plinth has some scratches. TD124 drive is excellent. Overall very good.

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:
Male DIN phono output from Tonearm. Captive Power cord.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

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

Included:
Unit and box

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

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

Dimensions:
17" x 14" x 6"

Weight:
35 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1965

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.