Well Ive found it Aural bliss ! A pure original boxed n kept well tucked away and never moved fir over 35 or so years a concours Thorens TD 124 mk2 with as set up by the pros sme 3009 series 11 arm and original great condition shure cartridge ( the cartridge isnt good enough for me though ) It came with loads of again mint pamflets and manuals . its beautiful . priceless . should be in a museum really . any top offers anyone ? x

Expressive presentation, warm & sweet

I've tried to find out...but none

I've been using Michell GyroDec RB300 and I'm quite happy with the performance. Vivid vocal, nicely placed musical instrument and good depth. But now I've sold the GyroDec and bought the TD124MKII / SME 3012. The sounds is much more detailed,Full bodied sound, big sounding and I can hear things that I can't never heard before on Gyro. I happy!! hooked with these equipment:- John Shearne Phase 2 Reference with John Phono Stage. Mission 752 Kimber 8TC biwire

Similar Products Used:

Michell GyroDec RB300 (3rd) Pioneer PL - 12 D/R (2nd) Pioneer PL - 110 (1st)

Rhytm, musicality. Everything is adjustable. Full metal housing. Incredible engineering.

Hard to find spare parts.

This is a very good performer ! I use it with a SME3012 tonearm and Ortofon SPU GM cartridge. There is one thing this turntable has much better compared to others : Rhytm !!! The definition of sound into time is very good indeed. It seems the combination of motor/belt/rubber wheel/heavy platter is very good. Other turntables sound "nervous" to me. Even if they are quartz-driven. If you find one in good working condition, just buy it !

Rock solid, stable, sweet sounding.

must search to find parts, when needed.

Awesome! Plays 45 and 78 as well as 33's. Very heavy platter spins forever on the precision Swiss bearings. Has bubble level built in. Low rumble and excellent isolation are hallmarks of this design. I think mine came out of an old radio station and has a pedestrian arm with a Shure cartridge. It still sounds wonderful. As good as my Linn. Get one if you can.

Similar Products Used:

Linn LP12 with Ittok arm and K9 cartridge

Unreal build quality and durability. World class performance. Plays 78 rpm!!!

None that matter.

I know that for eight or ten thousand dollars I could buy a turntable that would sound better than my old (1965) Thorens TD-124, but it wouldn't play shellac (78 rpm) records and would probably break down on a regular basis.

I am not an analog snob---I just love the sound of old vinyl and shellac! I have an extensive CD collection as well. My 124 is equipped with a SME 3009 tonearm and because I listen to so much shellac I'm limited to some pretty pedestrian cartridges---and still the TD-124 sounds incredible---MUCH better than my mid-80's Linn Sondek.

If you really love old records and aren't just an analog snob, pick one of these up before the price skyrockets out of sight. They can still be had for a few hundred bucks, but not for long.

Similar Products Used:

Linn-Sondek, Thorens 145

Unreal build quality and durability. World class performance. Plays 78 rpm!!!

None that matter.

I know that for eight or ten thousand dollars I could buy a turntable that would sound better than my old (1965) Thorens TD-124, but it wouldn't play shellac (78 rpm) records and would probably break down on a regular basis.

I am not an analog snob---I just love the sound of old vinyl and shellac! I have an extensive CD collection as well. My 124 is equipped with a SME 3009 tonearm and because I listen to so much shellac I'm limited to some pretty pedestrian cartridges---and still the TD-124 sounds incredible---MUCH better than my mid-80's Linn Sondek.

If you really love old records and aren't just an analog snob, pick one of these up before the price skyrockets out of sight. They can still be had for a few hundred bucks, but not for long.

Similar Products Used:

Linn-Sondek, Thorens 145

Great sound Excellent speed stability. Great looks!

Mmm.

This is a great turntable.It brings out more fine detail has better bass, and imaging than my Linn/Valhalla with same Ittock arm. If you see one cheap don't think twice,buy it! You won't regret it.As long as it works that is.
Don't give up Brian. I assume you've seen the large rotary switch in the left corner and turned it on!
Is the brake on? That's the lever on the left side of the
unit. The Platter should spin freely with the brake off.
The brakes off and it's switched on? OK It's still not going. Put a hand on either side of the platter and gently
but firmly lift it up. Admire that wonderful spindle and look to see if the drive belt has fallen from the motor pulley or is broken.
What, it's OK? So the motor's not going round. Why?
Have a look underneath with power off and check for loose wires.
Still no luck? OK Either the motor's had it or the juice is not getting to it. Get an electrician to look at it.
If the motor is turning then the idler wheel is not touching the rim. Check the spring.
Hope this helps.
Contact Technical & General (England) for spares & advice
You'll find their address & No. through HI-FI WORLD
Magazine. Haymarket Publications England I believe.
Good luck.

Similar Products Used:

Linn Sondek LP12

I just got back my TD 124 after sending for a refurbishment amd mounting a SME 3009 arm. This was after reading how Ken Kessler described it as one of the best sounding tables ever built. Let me say that, sonically,it trashed my other supposed vintage goldmine, the 401, Came very close to my VPI TNT Mk II/ SME 309 in some areas and completely squashed the Michell Gyrodec (arm now on TNT). Well, To be honest, even My TD 150 and Naim Aro combo managed to sound more musical than the Michell/ SME.Turntables, as above plus a TD 160S, Linn Sondek Basik
Cartridges : Van Den Hul MC 2,Ortofon MC 30 supreme,Goldring 1042,Linn Arkiv,
Phono Stage" Audio Research PH2,and home made step up.
It combines the best of both worlds. having both a belt drive and an idler wheel, it avoids the rumble that plagues Garrards and manages to sound rich in the mids and detailed in the highs with added bass slam that stems from the heavy platter and massive built. Word of caution, I find that plinthed in granite, sound hardens too much. My new plinth is made of wood and that allows it to breathe in the mids.
Speed stability is excellent after the obligatory warm up of 5 mins and it has selections for 16, 33, 45 and 78 with variable speed modifier and built in illuminated speed
The 124 has it all, Built like a tank, yet it is more elegant looking than the 401. The TD124 was termed the Rolls Royce of all turntables. Well, I dont have one in my yard, but at least I have the best of vintage analogue front ends in my listening room.

Outstanding solidity to sound

none

This is an amazing turntable. Built like a 57 Chevy. Sounds like it looks. One of be best bargains in hi fi today. I'm using an SME 3009 II and Ortofon MM cartridge. Incredibly sweet and detailed with rock solid bass and overall stability that must be heard to be believed. This turntable will make all your records sound good.

Similar Products Used:

125, 160, 145 II

Dear Sirs, I don't no where to turn to for help on this one. I have always been a man of music of all types, especially in 33rpm records. I play them on a vintage 1970's Thorens, but today I went to a resale shop and found a Thorens TD124 on the shelf. I bought it, brought it home, and I can't figure out how it even turns on! I plug it in, the light goes on in the strobe area, then how does the turntable spin! It just sits there wanting to do something, but I don't know how to get it to go or even change speeds! The lever for the speed control seems to be locked out, it won't move. I know this isn't a review, but since I don't work much on the internet, you're site looks the best for professional help. If anyone out there can help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you fellow audiophiles! BrianP.S I can't fiqure out how to post this in your discussion area, could you please copy it to that section for me? Sorry, but I'm a little slow in the computer field. Some of us 45 year old's aren't up to snuff yet. Thanks again.