A TD-124 Journey

[Robert Young]

Ever tried an Empire 880p? No way it should sound as good as it does….

 

[JohnVF]

Ever tried an Empire 880p? No way it should sound as good as it does….

I haven't. Just the 1000z/ex, EDR.9 and a few of the random gold-blob Empire MIs. I like the look of the 880p, it's almost comical in how old it looks.

Maybe that's what my Empire needs. The cart it was born to be with.

 

[adnick]

Beautiful table Robert, with great heritage…..have it’s slightly younger sibling.

Andy

 

[Wntrmute2]

Fan of Greg as well. He did a beautiful job restoring the cosmetically challenged TD-124 chassis of mine. He also was very informative and helpful. Chris Harban from Woodsong refurbished the main bearing. I rebuilt the motor with Audio Sillenite's coils and their suspension grommets. They also provided a new idler wheel. The cast iron platter was a mess visually so I spent a bit of time freshening that up as well. I'd like to try their graphite record mat. Mine isn't as classy as yours but I dig it and listen to it everyday.

 

[Robert Young]

Looks gorgeous! One thing I haven't tried yet is putting a 12" arm on. Need to find an extended armboard I like...

 

[adnick]

Looks gorgeous! One thing I haven't tried yet is putting a 12" arm on. Need to find an extended armboard I like...

If you can’t find an Armboard you like and have a specific design in mind, and can convey it ;-) I would be willing to make you one….

I’m away from the shop for a while but would be glad to help out, when I get back.


Andy

 

[adnick]

Here’s mine serial number 5662, it had plastic well bearings and used Delrin in their place….

 

[Robert Young]

If you can’t find an Armboard you like and have a specific design in mind, and can convey it ;-) I would be willing to make you one….

I’m away from the shop for a while but would be glad to help out, when I get back.


Andy

Incredibly kind of you Andy!!

 

[Robert Young]

Here’s mine serial number 5662, it had plastic well bearings and used Delrin in their place….View attachment 77542

Beautiful! What SPU is that?

 

[adnick]

Beautiful! What SPU is that?

That’s actually just an original ESL headshell with a very early Shure MD3…

 

[Robert Young]

Cool!!!

 

[Fran604g]

Wow Robert, what a fantastic well written thread! And the photos. Stunning! There's a lot here to unpack and though I'll likely never have as nice a table, I enjoy the "learning-about" aspect immensely. Thanks!

 

[Robert Young]

Wow Robert, what a fantastic well written thread! And the photos. Stunning! There's a lot here to unpack and though I'll likely never have as nice a table, I enjoy the "learning-about" aspect immensely. Thanks!

That’s very kind. I’m glad you enjoyed it! And there’s more: i’m going to try to test out a few cartridges on a newly re-wired Infinity Black Widow: an M-A 3002; a Grace F9e; and a B&O mmc-2. I may try a Pickering xsv-3000 as well. Should be fun. The winner stays in the collection, the rest go to the Emporium.

 

[Mike414]

Love how that Thorens turned out and your selection of arms.

Here's my TD124 restored by STS and similar plinth from DAS in Ebony Macassar. Alfred Bokrand tonearm and VAS modified Denon 103.

 

[JohnVF]

Love how that Thorens turned out and your selection of arms.

Here's my TD124 restored by STS and similar plinth from DAS in Ebony Macassar. Alfred Bokrand tonearm and VAS modified Denon 103.View attachment 77576

That plinth is beautiful. You all are making me really miss my 124.

 

[Robert Young]

Love how that Thorens turned out and your selection of arms.

Here's my TD124 restored by STS and similar plinth from DAS in Ebony Macassar. Alfred Bokrand tonearm and VAS modified Denon 103.View attachment 77576

Looks like we have many of the same tastes. The ‘table looks awesome! Greg is a master, Alfred’s arms rock (if you can get one!), and DAS plinths are superb, and a bargain at that. What are you using for feet?

 

[Mike414]

The feet are nothing special. Machined aluminum with an O-ring in the bottom. I have not tried anything that would provide real isolation. Another rabbit hole?

 

[Robert Young]

Definitely a rabbit hole! I spent a lot before i ended up with Gaia. But for a long time ui was sure the whole exercise was bunk. Turned out otherwise…i think. 🧐
R