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Thorens TD 125 or Technics SP10

D

dirtbag

Active Member
I'm looking to buy a fully restored vintage turntable. A restorer I have been talking to does beautiful examples of both the Technics SP10 MK2 and the Thorens TD125 MKII LB. His suggestion is that the Technics is the better table (smoother and more refined), but that some people prefer the Thorens sound
(sharper, punchier). I really know nothing about turntables other than I don't have the time to restore one myself.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
 
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Can you listen to the two yourself?

Or turn them on/off,operate the controls, get a feel of them?

Personally, I'd go for the Technics, but that's strictly my preference- the Thorens is a fantastic table too.

The only thing that I'd consider greatly is if you have bouncy springy floors- that may rule the Thorens out.

However, besides that, they are both great tables and will fall more to the user preferences and small sound nuances betwixt the two.

Both are winners in my book.
 
Hmmm, I like my TD-125 a lot, but I suspect if someone offered me a trade for an SP-10 mkII in nice shape I'd be more than tempted. Mind you, plinths and arms are going to make a big difference at this level of performance, something to bear in mind in making a decision. The TD-125 really is not a good match to springy floors, I will testify to that as well, though getting the suspension properly set up does help with that a bit.
 
But is the rare TD125MkII LB! If you go for the Technics let me know where to go after the TD125 MkII LB, the more musical and rich sounding table of the two. IMHO
Regards,
Jim
 
One mod he is talking about doing to the Thorens is a fixed suspension setup,rather than the stock active susp. That should help with the springy floor issues. On both tables we are thinking of an Ortofon AS 12 inch arm and Ortofon SPU GM E cartridge. I am leaning towards the Thorens because it is cheaper and absolutely stunning in gloss black. This is my first high end table and hopefully my last for a long time.
 
dirtbag said:
One mod he is talking about doing to the Thorens is a fixed suspension setup,rather than the stock active susp. That should help with the springy floor issues. On both tables we are thinking of an Ortofon AS 12 inch arm and Ortofon SPU GM E cartridge. I am leaning towards the Thorens because it is cheaper and absolutely stunning in gloss black. This is my first high end table and hopefully my last for a long time.
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I think some of the magic of the Thorens is in the sprung suspension.
 
The SP -10 will be less fussy. It is my dream deck should I find the money to match it with a nice arm. Are you looking at an SME arm for the sp10 and what arm for the thorens? I may be shot for saying so but in my country the Sp10 is considered a better TT and consequently goes for considerably more money.

Then I have not heard a 125, only the sp10. And I agree, getting rid of the suspension on the 125 could change the sound in a negative way.

I envy your delicious predicament!
 
I have a SP-15 which is a lesser version of the SP-10. All I can say is it is better than the Sota Sapphire, VPI Scout, VPI HW-19 Technics SL-1200 that I have owned.
It has rhythm and drive in spades. The deepest bass I ever heard from a TT with my speakers which don't go down that low but apparently can go lower than I have heard before. Jazz has better pitch definition, Rock has more drive and bass. Classical is delicate and sweet. All this and it is more convenient to use than my suspended TT's were. I would go for the SP-10.....
 
I love both tables, the Thorens is nice but I prefer the Technics SP-10 Mk II as a daily driver paired with a nice plinth and tonearm or two mounted. I use it's lower end cousin in the SP line every day, the very fine SP-25. Mine is mounted in a custom non-Technics plinth with a Audio-Technica ATP-16T tonearm and several different cartridges aligned and mounted in headshells. I love my SP, yours will be even better than mine and they're all classic gear.
 
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