Thorens TD124 Vintage Turntable, Customized w/SME Arm + Hana SH (MC) Cartridge

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General:

The Thorens TD124 is a classic turntable from the famous Swiss manufacturer with everything you need for super-reliable and great-sounding vinyl reproduction. 

This example was serviced and was customized with a beautiful modern burgundy plinth, gloss black acrylic tonearm mount, and SME 3009 series III S tonearm. 

It will also be paired and perfectly calibrated with a brand new Hana SH Moving-Coil (MC) cartridge, one of our favorites and a great price/performance for this rig.  

To make this super easy to use we removed the pesky platter lift system. 

Plinth sits on very cool set of adjustable aluminum feet that feature a ball bearing sandwich for great isolation. 

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:

Some marks near the bottom of the burgundy plinth. Some scratches on the beige top of the turntable. Overall good condition for its age.

Ownership:

Second Owner

Connections: 

Captive RCA Phono Outputs + Ground

General Sound:

Smooth Uncolored 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 tested in our lab.

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

Dimensions:
17" x 14" x 6" 

Weight:
35.0 lbs

Link to Manual:

Click Here

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
• Tracing 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.