sadsteve
New Member
So this is my first post on here, sorry if I make any mistakes cuz I'm still learning how to post, but its a lot better than lurking in the shadows reading through threads like I have been.
That being said, I recently picked up a Thorens TD 126 Mk II for $80 on craigslist. It's seen better days. For starters there's no platter and the tone arm is broken (like a big chunk taken out of it. nasty.) and the hinges are broken for the dust cover. Also the wood has that cheap plastic vineer over particle board and it looks atrocious. all black. the table works well though, all buttons are responsive, motor runs, and all but one lamp works, but it shouldnt be hard to swap out.
I've always dreamed of owning a Thorens table (was looking more for the 125 but i like this one better now that i have it. it has character.) Finding a new platter was rather difficult but I was able to locate an inner platter for it with the little lines for the stroboscope to track for around $90 on ebay, and Dave from vinylnirvana hooked me up with an outer platter for about $45. I also came across someone that lives near me whos willing to sell me an SME 3009 sereies II tone arm (i think its the removable headshell model) for $350. so overall I think I'm getting a pretty sweet set up for a pretty low price point and I'm really excited to get this thing up and running.
And here's where the problems start. I've never installed a tonearm before and i really dont want to screw up a 3009. Is there any good resources for how to add this on and will I need a new base board for it or something? I'm totally new to this so sort of just learning as I go.
Also what kind of cartridge would you reccomend. people always say grado or ortofon or something but not sure what would pair well with the rest of my setup.
The plinth looks awful and I want to redo it in wood probably, should I just make a copy of the current box or does anyone prefer another style of plinth?
anymore tips or tweaks i can do to make this table a really enjoyable piece of equipment? anything i should check or clean on it before i get it up and running? any random odd the cuff advice you want to throw at me? im all ears!
But thank you for your patience and any information you can give me! I'll make sure to put it to good use and hopefully turn this sad table into a beautiful sonic experience. Thanks!
That being said, I recently picked up a Thorens TD 126 Mk II for $80 on craigslist. It's seen better days. For starters there's no platter and the tone arm is broken (like a big chunk taken out of it. nasty.) and the hinges are broken for the dust cover. Also the wood has that cheap plastic vineer over particle board and it looks atrocious. all black. the table works well though, all buttons are responsive, motor runs, and all but one lamp works, but it shouldnt be hard to swap out.
I've always dreamed of owning a Thorens table (was looking more for the 125 but i like this one better now that i have it. it has character.) Finding a new platter was rather difficult but I was able to locate an inner platter for it with the little lines for the stroboscope to track for around $90 on ebay, and Dave from vinylnirvana hooked me up with an outer platter for about $45. I also came across someone that lives near me whos willing to sell me an SME 3009 sereies II tone arm (i think its the removable headshell model) for $350. so overall I think I'm getting a pretty sweet set up for a pretty low price point and I'm really excited to get this thing up and running.
And here's where the problems start. I've never installed a tonearm before and i really dont want to screw up a 3009. Is there any good resources for how to add this on and will I need a new base board for it or something? I'm totally new to this so sort of just learning as I go.
Also what kind of cartridge would you reccomend. people always say grado or ortofon or something but not sure what would pair well with the rest of my setup.
The plinth looks awful and I want to redo it in wood probably, should I just make a copy of the current box or does anyone prefer another style of plinth?
anymore tips or tweaks i can do to make this table a really enjoyable piece of equipment? anything i should check or clean on it before i get it up and running? any random odd the cuff advice you want to throw at me? im all ears!
But thank you for your patience and any information you can give me! I'll make sure to put it to good use and hopefully turn this sad table into a beautiful sonic experience. Thanks!
