Technics 1200 MK2 or Thorens TD125

[SCUMM]

I know that this question has been posed before on this forum but I want to add some specifics to the original post. I currently have a Technics 1200 and I know in its stock form it really doesn't have much on the Thorens TD125. There seems to be a pretty strong Technics community with many mods available (improved bearing, outboard power supply, new tonearm, record mat, etc.) I am looking to upgrade my turntable and have decided to either go the Technics mod route or ditch the DD and go for a TD125 probably with an SME M2-9. The problem is, I am having a horrible time deciding. I was wondering if anyone can offer there input based on the proposed tables. Thanks.

 

[Sanc]

Thorens. The 125 + M2 is a stellar combo.

 

[mackat]

Many people put an SME on the Technics and love it. In fact, I will soon be putting an SME3009 on my 1200. The Thorens is an excellent chose also.


Ben aka MacKat

 

[bangsezmax]

First off, the tweak I'd look into is the KAB fluid damper. I haven't heard one myself, but I've heard impressive things about them. SME made a similar tweak for the 3009/3012s. I think that's where you're going to get the most bang for the buck with the 1200s, and it should give you a lot more cartridge choices.

All that said, the Thorens/SME combo with a choice cart and the suspension tuned just right would be really, really difficult to improve on, no matter how you tricked out your 1200. That's drool-worthy stuff there.

 

[sony6060]

I don't know much, but I would buy a Thorens TD125. In fact I plan to buy one myself.

 

[illini]

I recommend the Technics if the condition is near mint.

 

[Blue Shadow]

The SME costs as much as a couple Technics so one would think that this would be the tonearm to use. Whether you slap it on the 1200 or the 125 would be a personal choice. BD vs. DD and the debate will continue ad nauseam.

Me, I avoid that issue using a Magnepan Unitrac on both a Thorens TD-160 Super and Kenwood KD-600. One of these days I might actually give these an opportunity to win a listening session. But I don't care they both sound great.

 

[SCUMM]

I realize the DD vs belt debate is never ending and I was not trying to take it there. From what I have seen out in the wild(not sure if I can name companies here) I would be spending roughly the same for either table. The Thorens would be refurbished and supplied with the M2-9 arm while the Technics would benefit from the following: Improved Bearing, outboard power supply, Jelco 750 and maybe a few other tweaks. The mods on the Technics may bring it to be more expensive than the Thorens. My budget is not endless and I am just wondering if the Technics is worth chasing. The table I have is very near mint but seems that it would need some work to meet the Thorens.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Well a 1200/Jelco 750 is completely different from a 1200. So it comes down to which tonearm will be a good step above the other if we leave the BD/DD debate at the side of the road.

 

[SCUMM]

Is there anyone that has listened to both tables with any similar components that may care to comment. Thanks.