Have you used a TD-124?
Initial Thoughts Modern High Performance Table Versus A Vintage Machine
- Thread starter Mister Pig
- Start date
Have you used a TD-124?
Herr Eickhorn
Born again Alien
I wonder how the wood arms might perform in extreme humidity environments? For example, Phoenix has humidity often below 10% and Hawaii is often above 90%.
I listened to a SME model 30. I guess I don't know what to listen for because I was not impressed. Or maybe modern sound sounds worse than vintage sound, but thanks for YOUR explanation. It's all clear to me now.
Your dates are wrong also. The TD 124 came out in 1957.
Your dates are wrong also. The TD 124 came out in 1957.
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I've never been impressed with SME either but a lot of people like these tables so I mentioned it. I have and like the current Linn LP12 SE- I use a EAR 324 phono stage instead of Linn's internal one & a Lyra Argo i MC pickup. It's not the last word in resolve but it's certainly the most musical record player that I've ever owned. Check out Rega & Linn turntables- these tables have plenty of snap to them and will keep you playing your records.
I audition turntables all the time. I've never heard a Rega that I cared for. I've never heard anything all that remarkable about the Linn sound, though I think they're nice and can be great with a ton of attention. I've heard wonderful modern tables (Well Tempered Amadeus, Feickert Twin, VPI Classic, Sota Star/Sapphire) and a lot of vintage tables from good to bad to very very average, and the Thorens is certainly in the upper tier as far as just making music and forgetting about the hifi nature of all of this. That's my opinion. I don't pass it off as fact.
Check out Rega & Linn turntables- these tables have plenty of snap to them and will keep you playing your records.
Every post you're putting up on this thread reads like hype from an audio equipment dealer. Is that what you do for a living?
As for "vintage" versus "modern" sound, there is no way you can explain this because it is nonsense, and we all know it.
I'll pass on the recommendation for Rega, Linn, etc... Lacking 78 RPM capability, variable pitch control, and essential user friendly features they will not keep me "playing" my "records." Quite the opposite in fact. I don't mess around with turntables that can't get the job done.
Yes the TD 124 has a bit of noise and they are not the last word in low noise floor, but the drive and grunt they inject into the music is something that no SP-12 has showed me. Is it better? No it has it's own character as does the Linn, and that is what makes tables so interesting. This is the reason I usually avoid the this is better than that in table comparisons because it is so subjective to the equipment in the chain. If someone loves a table, it is good for the hobby and makes me smile. I had a chance to hear a Linn in my system, and my Modded TD160 sounded better to me with better attack and presence, But that's just my 61 year old ears. I did have an appreciation of the built quality of the Linn. FWIW
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
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nailer
audionerd
Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for. Doctor Johnny Fever
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
And no Rega still has variable speed and many 78 RPM discs need it. I need variable speed and every essential used in professional service. Cactus Cowboy and I use our turntables for work and for pleasure. We are professional users with high end professional needs for both jobs. We have found our ideal turntable years ago and the tonearm choices which serve our wishes and needs well. Belt drive decks are not suited for our needs. And we are equally demanding of sound quality and reliable service with low maintenance.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
And the records you like were 99% most likely cut on a lathe with a direct drive motor by the way. Most of those lathes being Neumann lathes. Many of them have Technics SP-02 motors installed (a variant of the SP-10 Mk II motor) by the way. And the SP series turntables are as uncolored as they come and the choice of many recording studio engineers and mastering engineers for their own use. And also used by many broadcast professionals as well.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
If it was cut on direct drive, it makes sense to play it on direct drive. Keep it accurate and neutral.
Herr Eickhorn
Born again Alien
I am still wondering about the sound differences, as some have indicated, between the sound of an idler vs that of a belt vs that of a direct drive turntable. Is that "nonsense" too?
I'm well aware that Rega makes a dedicated 78 RPM model, and it's not suitable for serious use. You've got the usual Rega design flaws and poor build quality to contend with: cheap molded plastic subplatter, speed accuracy and wow & flutter issues, a weak motor further compromised by higher driven speed of platter, tonearm mass too light for proper 78 playback, poor antiskate design, non-detachable headshell hindering cartridge swapping, no variable pitch control and so on.
I have about 7,000 78s in my collection. I do a weekly radio show utilizing transfers from my 78s. I do transfer & restoration work for paying customers as well. My standards are very high and my expectations of turntable performance go far beyond the typical so-called "audiophile" belt drives you recommend. The Rega is way down on my list of what I'd consider for spinning 78s, just a notch above a Crosley.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
I love the best in any drive system. If I were going to own a modern belt drive, VPI would likely be my choice. I also love several other models like the best Linns, the older Thorens, the Nottingham tables, among others. Idlers, I love Garrard 301, 401, Thorens TD-124, EMT of all models, and tweaked Lencos, Gates, QRK, Russco, Sparta, etc. In direct drive, I like Technics SP line, high end Denons, EMT, high end JVC models and more. I like PRAT as a rule. But I maintain broadcast gear for a living. I demand superb sound, impeccable reliability, and consistent operation no matter what drive system I use. My other turntables are belt driven by the way, AR XA with Mayware Formula IV tonearm. It also doesn't suffer from pitch stability issues. Which I can easily hear. I remember when the Rega importer was 50 miles from home in Knoxville, TN. Steve Lauerman at Lauerman Imports was his name. We became good friends. I got to take home a Rega demo model and rotate them out frequently. I wound up with one of the first P5 turntables and still own it. I use it occasionally for pleasure. And like it. But it has one cartridge mounted and that does not change. But I do a lot of vinyl and shellac transfer work and broadcast production at home. So, the Rega is not my working turntable. It is installed in a second system. So no pissing match intended.
beatcomber
AK Member
Not nonsense in my experience. I won't say that one is better than the other, but there are definitely some characteristics for each type, some of which are more pronounced than others.
flavio81
Turntable technician
This is true, at least for the cheaper regas.
I'd never consider a rega for 78RPM transcription either. I didn't know Rega manufactured a 78RPM edition of their turntables. It's not a good idea at all, imo.
I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree.
My definition of "Junk" (although you used that term, not I) is undoubtedly broader and based on a much higher level of expectations.
I don't make assumptions "that they simply are more concerned with cost saving measures & are intentially using inferior parts?" They are in fact doing just that. Low end Rega models use a molded plastic subplatter. Their high end models use a machined metal subplatter. The plastic part is inferior and it is used to trim manufacturing costs.
You want to argue otherwise? Fine. Explain why Rega doesn't use the plastic subplatter on their more expensive models.