Restored TD 124 by Jim Campbell

[thanajon]

Came to say that over the summer had my TD 124 restored by Jim Campbell in PA. He did a great job and I am very pleased with the finished product. I had taken the turntable down to the studs so to speak, completely stripped of parts and paint and he brought it back to new condition. Highly recommended. Thanks Jim!

Now I am looking to round out my system with a suitable cartridge, plinth, and phono preamp. I am thinking of setting this TT up for mono jazz LP listening station.

My current setup includes the following:

Linear Tube Audio LTA Z40 Integrated Amp
Technics SL1210-G with AT VMN60SC cartridge
IMF TLS 80 mkII

To this, I would like to add the Thorens for mostly Mono jazz listening, so am searching for a phono preamp and mono cartridge recommendations on a modest budget and also suitable with the SME 3009 tone arm. Does the cognoscenti think this is a waste of the Thorens or a good use of the TT? I've never listened to a mono setup and have only a few mono records, but wanted to give it a spin.

My research so far has led to the Gold Note PH-10, Project Phono Box DS3 B and Lab12 Melto 2 with a Orotofon 2M Mono SE or the AT Mono3/LP.?

Appreciate any feedback positive or negative on the proposed setup with the Thorens and SME. Thank you.

Thanajon

 

[mrwood200]

Well Done to you & your system!

Now I am looking to round out my system with a suitable cartridge, plinth, and phono preamp. I am thinking of setting this TT up for mono jazz LP listening station.

This is a good project!
A number of decisions, but reading about your system ....... I am confident you will do well!

Does the cognoscenti think this is a waste of the Thorens or a good use of the TT? I've never listened to a mono setup and have only a few mono records, but wanted to give it a spin.

Certainly not a waste! YDY
But this enthusiast would not dedicate the TT to mono. No need. You got a removeable headshell.
You can have an excellent mono system & switch over to something else. I would want to hear the newly-reconditioned idler in multiple scenarios.
Now maybe 'prioritize' MM on the Thorens vs MC for the Technics, or high compliance/vintage cartridges vs other...?

My research so far has led to the Gold Note PH-10, Project Phono Box DS3 B and Lab12 Melto 2 with a Orotofon 2M Mono SE or the AT Mono3/LP.?

Phono preamps are a tough choice, and a lot can depend on the cartridge.
I have mono playback w/Nagaoka MP-MONO. Nice, modest cost, good (bonded) styli available, but maybe not a match for your SME (SME 3009 S2 Improved (Detachable Headshell)?? 9.5 grams).
My Nagaoka setup math:

(I ran a test record w/1x styli, got closer to 9Hz... )

For new mono guy, I would recommend a phono preamp with a mono button. If no button, strap a stereo cartridge.
For you w/your system potential, you can build a world-class one-british-speaker mono system!
Mono is a bit of a black hole. I only dipped my toes.

As you may know, mono records have different groove sizes; you can match your styli tip to the media (~.7mil conical for new mono LPs; 1mil for old).
The AT Mono3 = bonded .6; Ortofon nude shibata?? (for Beatles mono set??).
I am a no on the Ortofon. The AT would probably work fine; not really for me.
The Nagaoka might work for you - I would like to hear from some SME users using lower compliance cartridge....
There are probably other/better options out there. I am still OK w/a mono button or strapped cartridge for now.

Assume we want mono AND other support for the thorens, let's get a phono preamp!
Lot of good ones out there w/their own sonic contribution & features.
What do you have now? sl1210 going into Z40 phono? You are going to run the Thorens via new phono to Z40 line input??
Z40 phono w/built-in SUT could be pretty sweet. You may end up with the Thorens to the Z40 & Technics to ________.

One thing I like in a phono preamp is low capacitance options. I run some Shure & AT MM cartridges that can be sensitive to loading.
I looked at the GoldNote recently when reviewing my phono options - input cap fixed at 220pF = no.
Phono box has 50pF option & has some fans here.
I wanted a Darlington Labs MP8b. Found a used 'The Black Swan' for cheaper & bought it.
You may want to consider sourcing phono #2 to complement your existing phono #1; similar quality, but perhaps some contrast (options, circuit, more tubes?)