Thorens TD-124 DD VS. Classic TD-124
- Thread starter Bushikan
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twiiii
Lunatic Member
Well the wow and flutter is going to be much lower for sure. But the most important improvement is going to be the lack of rumble the old TD 124 and TD 124 MK II had in humongous amounts. That should make all the difference in the world. Especially if your speakers are flat in producing the lowest octave from 20 to 40 HZ. Thats why I got rid of my 121's and 124's when the 125 came along. No more rumble for sure and no more acoustical feed back. My problems with all Thorens has been their tone arms. They just don't match up with SME and others tone arms. That would be my biggest concern. Thats why I would want to demo any turntable before buying.
Andy—Please weigh in with your experiences of either/both (and especially compared to a refurbished 301^^^—which would probably be my first choice).^^^ In plain speak, he doesn’t have either one
Your probably not going to find many with both….
Andy
When I discussed buying a refurbished 124 from someone who makes his living refurbishing 124s and 301s, he said he could not honestly recommend getting an old 124 because of the troublesome, noisy motor. He told me to get a 301. When I asked about the 124 DD, he gave it extremely high marks and said he couldn’t say anything negative about it and would definitely recommend it over an original 124.
Thoughts?
adnick
Addicted Member
Can’t speak to the 124 DD, and wouldn’t want one, but there’s certainly a reason the original TD124 is so revered. With the aftermarket parts and some maintenance they are excellent machines. If one can do the work yourself then it’s between $300-400 depending on motor condition, of course one can go deeper with a special bearing housing and electronic speed control….
Mine has all the Audiosilente parts, but went with the gummy motor mounts and used Delin bearings in the platter shaft well, plus a custom constrained layered plinth, it’s now extremely quiet, as quiet as my Denon DP75…
In stock form, good working condition, a 301 grease bearing is the quietest idler I’ve ever encountered….
If you can put your hands on a 301 grease bearing then that’s what I’d recommend and there’s arguably a slight edge to having an early rimless motor. Yeah the chassis may not be quite as stiff but a well made plinth will make up any percived differences, plus the raised letters on the black emblems are gorgeous
Any 301 or 401 for that matter can be taken to extreme heights with the high end parts from Classic Turntable Company https://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/ Their new upgraded bearing housing is fantastic, add a heavy Shindo type platter and it’s a dream machine, plus all that together is probably much less than a TD124DD
The heaviest platter I’m aware of is about 27# and would require an upgraded bearing housing, but the big Garrard motor will handle it…
Don’t know what your budget is, Ray at Classic Turntable might have a refurbished hammertone rimless available and he’s a fine fellow to deal with (no affiliation)
Really doubt that many people with vintage TD124s have purchased the new TD124DD, but there’s always exceptions
VR
Andy
ajward549
Super Member
I have no experience with the TD124 DD, but I have owned a refurbished TD124 mk i for the past 4 years. My plinth is nowhere near as nice as the artistic beauty that Andy has produced, but it is a stacked plywood plinth with veneer from Moldova, and my 124 is dead quiet. I have never even heard noise from the motor!
Andy (from TN not TX!)
Andy (from TN not TX!)
adnick
Addicted Member
Thanks Andy, with a little bit of time and the right upgrades, TD124s are fantastic tables…..
Andy from TX
kbwhaaland
Active Member
I haven't compared the two, but I have compared the 124 DD and a Rega Planar 10 and I preferred the latter.
Seems to me that the only thing the 124 DD does well is to look the part.
Seems to me that the only thing the 124 DD does well is to look the part.
