Thorens TD 125 II

[Limberpine]

There is one of these for sale locally without a tonearm for $450, which seems like a great deal. I wondered what tone arms people suggest for these? I'm currently running a Systmedeck 11x table with a Grado Gold Stylus and cart, Linn Basik arm and am wondering how much of an upgrade the Thorens would be over what I have? It seems if I want to go to a MC cart with the Systemdeck, I would need to move to a heavier arm.

Just trying to see what type of money pit this en devour might be and if it would be worth it given better performance?

Here is the list of whats for sale:


Lenco L75 idler drive with custom plinth $850
AR ES-1 with Merrill mods, beautiful $950
Thorens TD 125 II arm not included. $450
Logic DM 101 rare English belt drive table (arm not included). $300

Maybe there is a better choice in there?

Thanks for your thoughts and help!

 

[Tables_and_Tubes]

Yeah, I saw those tables listed on PDX Craigslist too!
If I had a spare $850 laying around,I would grab the Lenco.

As far as the Thorens goes, a nice SME 3009 S2 Improved would the natural pairing.

Dan

 

[Limberpine]

Yeah, they have been around a lil bit, so maybe he's open to offers.

What is appealing about the Lenco in your view?

I was thinking it would be good to have a TT that does well with a MC cart without having to alter it.

 

[marantzfan]

Agree, the Lenco and AR-ES1 with Merrill mods would be on my list before the Thorens. But that’s just me.

 

[Thermionics]

I saw that ad as well.

I'd probably put the Merrill-ized AR-ES1 at the top of the list, but the Lenco would be a close second. The Thorens is no slouch, mind you, it just feels a bit like you're getting more bang for the buck with the AR & Lenco.

And if one was inclined, that Robertson 4010 is a damn fine little amp - I owned one for about 10 years before I succumbed to the siren song of the vacuum tube.

 

[Limberpine]

I succumbed to the siren song of the vacuum tube.

Oh, yes, I have been enveloped by that song for some time now!

 

[fiddlefye]

There is one of these for sale locally without a tonearm for $450, which seems like a great deal. I wondered what tone arms people suggest for these? I'm currently running a Systmedeck 11x table with a Grado Gold Stylus and cart, Linn Basik arm and am wondering how much of an upgrade the Thorens would be over what I have? It seems if I want to go to a MC cart with the Systemdeck, I would need to move to a heavier arm.

Just trying to see what type of money pit this en devour might be and if it would be worth it given better performance?

Here is the list of whats for sale:


Lenco L75 idler drive with custom plinth $850
AR ES-1 with Merrill mods, beautiful $950
Thorens TD 125 II arm not included. $450
Logic DM 101 rare English belt drive table (arm not included). $300

Maybe there is a better choice in there?

Thanks for your thoughts and help!

My TD-125 came to me with a Linn Basik, oddly. It was ok, though I now have a Fidelity Research FR-24 MkII on it which is much better and more flexible in terms of cart choice. The AR would undoubtedly be really nice, though what arm is on it?

 

[foxtrap]

Of the tables you listed, the Lenco at $850 is a good option, but to me for $450 the TD-125 is a no-brainer. It's hard to say without seeing the detail of the work done on the Lenco, or the arm mounted there, but if you're willing to put in the work of mounting another arm, the 125 will be worth it. You could put a TP-16 on it, which I hold to be a better arm than many give it credit for. I'd stay away from the SMEs as they go for a hefty premium these days, as you could go with a new Jelco for the same price and the assured performance of brand new bearings.

 

[Limberpine]

I emailed them to see which arm and cart is on it.

 

[Limberpine]

Said it has the original tone arm.

 

[Limberpine]

Here is what he said the upgrades are: Acrylic platter, improved subchassus and Dyna mat underneath. Basically the Merrill/ "sound of wood" mods.

Is that a good price for this given the mods?

 

[Limberpine]

He also has an Oracle Delphi with SME 3009 arm and Technics SP10 MK2 with Grace 560L 12"arm. For $1600 and $2k respectively.

 

[Audionut]

He also has an Oracle Delphi with SME 3009 arm and Technics SP10 MK2 with Grace 560L 12"arm. For $1600 and $2k respectively.

That SP10 is a good buy, if it’s got the original base. I paid that much for mine, sans plinth or arm (but was fully serviced by a reputable gent; JP). I’d be all over it if I didn’t already have one.

 

[MrEd]

I would agree with @Audionut , the SP10 with that arm is very fair.

 

[Wntrmute2]

I've always lusted over Oracle Delphi turntables.
I'd pony up for that.
Next I'd choose the Lenco cuz they are 😎

 

[Limberpine]

I would agree with @Audionut , the SP10 with that arm is very fair.

So is the SP10 sonically superior to all the rest? More collectable? Both?

 

[Limberpine]

Also, I'd Ike to get a TT that can accommodate both MM and MC carts. That is part of the goal in looking to another table, otherwise, I would have to look to upgrading the arm on my Sytemdek 11x, which could be fine, but its my understanding that you can only take the Systemdek so far.

 

[MrEd]

So is the SP10 sonically superior to all the rest? More collectable? Both?

It most likely one of the best DD decks , myself... pretty much happy in Lenco land.

 

[Limberpine]

Are there any issues to look out for with it?

 

[JohnVF]

I run a Merrill modified AR ES-1, though it’s more highly modified than this one. It’s about as modified as can be, actually. Acrylic platter, new bearing, new motor, new springs, sub chassis, digital motor control, blank diamond racing feet, Jelco TK-850s arm, and an additional base to the bottom of the plinth . So … not sure how much if this applies, but it’s among the best turntables I have heard at any price, anywhere. I’ve been a turntable collector for years and it ended my search as it was so much better sounding than the others. But again it’s farther down the road of modification. It sounds quite a bit better than the stock AR The Turntable I had, so I don’t know where this would fit between those extremes. I wouldn’t trade mine for any of these other options, though the SP10mk2 is not a bad deal and certainly a table you could be satisfied with for a long time. And a contrast to your Systemdek, which would be in some ways similar sounding to the AR, though I think the AR might be a hint better but maybe not significantly with just the new platter. My Systrmdek had a glass platter, which I felt was it’s weak point. Really needed deadened by mat choice or it would ring and add an audible coloration.