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Thorens TD 121 Tonearm Selection

B

bman21

New Member
I finally getting around to restoring my Thorens TD 121 turntable and own two tonearms that I could use. One is a Rega RB600 and the other is from a Sansui SR-929. The Sansui needs to be rewired and is missing a head shell. Matching tonearms to turntables is new to me. Should I use the Rega or the Sansui or should I sell them both and use the money to buy a different tonearm? I do not have a huge budget. I greatly appreciate everyones feedback.
 
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Welcome to AK.

The single parameter of interest with mounting tonearms on turntables is the mounting (AKA 'spindle to pivot') distance. TT's with armboards, like the 121, are quite easy to handle. Make sure you bore the tonearm mounting hole with meticulous accuracy at the exact mounting distance. Most Rega tonearms use 222mm and the Sansui requires 224.4mm. Both tonearms are good enough. The real challenge will be matching a cart to the tonearm of choice.
 
I would consider selling those arms and go with a SME 3009 NI. If you want more a modern arm then maybe a Jelco 9". I'm biased toward S arms with easily removable headshells.
 
I would go with the Sansui just because of the removable headshell option. But as it needs work, you can 'get by' in the meantime with the RB600!
 
tnsilver said:
Welcome to AK.

The single parameter of interest with mounting tonearms on turntables is the mounting (AKA 'spindle to pivot') distance. TT's with armboards, like the 121, are quite easy to handle. Make sure you bore the tonearm mounting hole with meticulous accuracy at the exact mounting distance. Most Rega tonearms use 222mm and the Sansui requires 224.4mm. Both tonearms are good enough. The real challenge will be matching a cart to the tonearm of choice.
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You are correct. My next challenge would be matching a cart after I choose an arm. I have a number of cartridges hanging around. Grado Gold, (2) Picking XV-15, Shure M95HE, Nagaoka MP-110, Ortofon OM20, Audio Technica AT14Sa or buy something new.
 
To match a cart to a tonearm you'll need the effective mass of the tonearm and the compliance (at 10Hz) of the cart. The Rega RB600 has 11.5g eff. mass, and I assume (it's unpublished) the SR-929 is somewhere between 12g to 14g. All but the AT14Sa are mid-high compliance carts (20 - 25cu), with the AT being a little lower compliance (likely the equivalent of 16cu at 10Hz). The rest is a matter of personal taste and stylus condition.
 
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