• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Can Anyone I.D. This Tonearm?

pkmcgee

pkmcgee

New Member
I've been trying to source a 7-pin male to RCA cable for the tonearm on my recently discovered Thorens TD124 turntable. The online cable sources don't have it. Of course, they all ask who made the tonearm, but unfortunately, there is no identifying mark on it. And, though I'm a bit of a newbie with regard to high-end TTs, I do know that Thorens shipped their tables without tonearms which were added at the retailer level. So, I'm not even sure it is a tonearm in keeping with Thorens quality.

I have two questions for the experts here:

First, can anyone identify the make and model of my tonearm? Alhough there's no manufacturer's name on the arm, it does show a stamped number of five digits, presumably a serial number. And, the underside of the round base just behind the 7-pin connector (first photo) shows "Made in Denmark" on it.

Second, where can I find the proper cable? The female 7-pin connector on the tonearm measures exactly 18mm, inside diameter. Slightly smaller than a nickel, provided for perspective.

Thanks for any advice you have.

Patrick

IMG_9227.JPG IMG_9228 2.JPG IMG_9229.JPG IMG_9230 2.JPG
 
Register to hide this ad
index.php

Those look like the original connectors. You just need some low capacitance shielded cables + RCA plugs.
 
setup1 said:
Ortofon RMG212

If you want to fix the sagging counterweight, this is how I did it to my RMG309.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the I. D. and the fantastic fix for the sagging counterweight. Great tip. Do you know where I can find the right size male 7-pin connector to RCA. The male connector shown in the photo you referenced is much smaller than the female 18mm connection on the base of the tonearm. I just included it to show the relative size of the female connector I am trying to find a mate for.

thanks again for the informative reply.

Patrick
 
From left field: That connector looks similar to tube sockets - (not a tube person so whatever) there may be an adapter which fits it that has the right male connector.
 
I would suggest using the male connector you've got, and getting some low capacitance cable and RCA plugs to replace the cable that's connected to it.

I did a quick google on valve sockets, and the female does look similar to an ebay listing of a socket described as being for "seven pin miniature (B7G) base tubes such as the 6AQ5, 6AV6, 6C4, 50C5 etc." - this may give you a starting point. Maybe a discarded 7-pin valve could be modified for your use.
 
I don't think it's the standard DIN socket on the tonearm, it looks a bit different. However, the plugs sell for about a dollar at electronics stores so it's easy to check (or even take in your tonearm into the store and check the fit before buying).

The standard tonearm plug/socket is often referred to as a "DIN" or mini-DIN. However, despite the visual similarity it's actually different. But not on this Ortofon tonearm.
 
pkmcgee said:
Thanks for the I. D. and the fantastic fix for the sagging counterweight. Great tip. Do you know where I can find the right size male 7-pin connector to RCA. The male connector shown in the photo you referenced is much smaller than the female 18mm connection on the base of the tonearm. I just included it to show the relative size of the female connector I am trying to find a mate for.

thanks again for the informative reply.

Patrick
Click to expand...

I see, I thought it was lens distortion which made the male connector look small.

A lot of excellent suggestions have been posted. If you don't succeed in getting the proper 7 pin connector. You can also hardwire RCA jacks which I did to the RMG309 since it came with bare wires.

RCAjacks.jpg
 
There was a seller on Ebay that I had conversations with regarding their OEM Ortofon connections pretty much
obsolete these day's at that time both the separate male and male with new leads and RCA's were being offered.

Personally these day's I'd be more inclined to go for a workaround going directly
from the headshell to the RCA's in a straight run.
 
I used the pin end of a broken 7-pin tube for a replacement on one of these arms. Soldering to the steel isn't easy but it works.
 
AudioFeline said:
I would suggest using the male connector you've got, and getting some low capacitance cable and RCA plugs to replace the cable that's connected to it.

I did a quick google on valve sockets, and the female does look similar to an ebay listing of a socket described as being for "seven pin miniature (B7G) base tubes such as the 6AQ5, 6AV6, 6C4, 50C5 etc." - this may give you a starting point. Maybe a discarded 7-pin valve could be modified for your use.
Click to expand...
The male connector shown is considerably smaller than the female one on the tonearm. It is the B&O style that I thought might be a fit. Sadly, it is not. But I lucked up and found the right sized connection pieces that can be used in making a cable. Now, all I have to do is figure out pin by pin what goes where.
 
Last edited:
AudioFeline said:
Congratulations on finding a solution. What are the connection pieces that you found?
Click to expand...

NOS Early EMT Ortofon SME Tonearm Cable 7 Pin USA Made

I found this on FeeBay. I was told that they are the correct large type bayonet/pin style connectors. We’ll see.
 

Attachments

  • F421ED7D-1720-43C9-94E8-BF26518D05AD.jpeg
    F421ED7D-1720-43C9-94E8-BF26518D05AD.jpeg
    93.4 KB · Views: 15
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom