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Thorens TD124 Tonearm advice

T

tmesselt

New Member
My tonearm was damaged beyond repair while my td124 was in storage. So I’m in a dilemma to either get a new tonearm and cartridge or get an entirely new setup. I was going to get a Jelco SA750 as I already have a tonearm board for the td124 but it appears they are out of business and haven’t been able to source them.

Tonearm and cart budget would be about 1200.

If I get an entire new turntable budget would be about 2500-3000 and I’d probably sell the TD124.

The rest of the setup is old McIntosh tube gear and I have been digging the vintage gear. Not opposed to a modern turntable though.
 
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tmesselt said:
My tonearm was damaged beyond repair while my td124 was in storage. So I’m in a dilemma to either get a new tonearm and cartridge or get an entirely new setup. I was going to get a Jelco SA750 as I already have a tonearm board for the td124 but it appears they are out of business and haven’t been able to source them.

Tonearm and cart budget would be about 1200.

If I get an entire new turntable budget would be about 2500-3000 and I’d probably sell the TD124.

The rest of the setup is old McIntosh tube gear and I have been digging the vintage gear. Not opposed to a modern turntable though.
Click to expand...

That sucks that you’re arm was damaged, can’t help with the decision but if you decide to sell drop me a pm, might be interested…

VR
Andy
 
tmesselt said:
My tonearm was damaged beyond repair while my td124 was in storage. So I’m in a dilemma to either get a new tonearm and cartridge or get an entirely new setup. I was going to get a Jelco SA750 as I already have a tonearm board for the td124 but it appears they are out of business and haven’t been able to source them.

Tonearm and cart budget would be about 1200.

If I get an entire new turntable budget would be about 2500-3000 and I’d probably sell the TD124.

The rest of the setup is old McIntosh tube gear and I have been digging the vintage gear. Not opposed to a modern turntable though.
Click to expand...

There has to be better options than selling your TD 124. Can you borrow a table from a friend until you can build up your replacement arm and cartridge fund? What about buying a temporary lower budget used table until you can repair the Thorens? You could resell the budget table later and recoup some of the money or all if you find a good bargain.

Your vintage TD 124 is becoming more valuable everyday. To let it go would be a shame.
 
tmesselt said:
My tonearm was damaged beyond repair while my td124 was in storage. So I’m in a dilemma to either get a new tonearm and cartridge or get an entirely new setup. I was going to get a Jelco SA750 as I already have a tonearm board for the td124 but it appears they are out of business and haven’t been able to source them.

Tonearm and cart budget would be about 1200.

If I get an entire new turntable budget would be about 2500-3000 and I’d probably sell the TD124.

The rest of the setup is old McIntosh tube gear and I have been digging the vintage gear. Not opposed to a modern turntable though.
Click to expand...

What tonearm did you have that got destroyed? Were you satisfied with it?

If so, would it be possible for you to get the same arm used/undamaged?

If your 124 table is still in good shape I think I'd be tempted to throw a different arm on that vs selling and getting a different table.

......
 
Thinking I just needed a little encouragement to keep the td124. Just need to figure out what the new tonearm and cart will be!


Athalwolf said:
There has to be better options than selling your TD 124. Can you borrow a table from a friend until you can build up your replacement arm and cartridge fund? What about buying a temporary lower budget used table until you can repair the Thorens? You could resell the budget table later and recoup some of the money or all if you find a good bargain.

Your vintage TD 124 is becoming more valuable everyday. To let it go would be a shame.
Click to expand...
 
Ohighway said:
What tonearm did you have that got destroyed? Were you satisfied with it?

I had a Grado Micro Control Tonearm, it came with the he turntable when I purchased it. I actually think some wood filler could repair it but it’s more than I want to take on. I was always wanting something more from my vinyl setup and that was one of my upgrade possibilities.

If so, would it be possible for you to get the same arm used/undamaged?

Not enough to get it again, I would like to try something new!

If your 124 table is still in good shape I think I'd be tempted to throw a different arm on that vs selling and getting a different table.

I think i just needed some encouragement to keep it and get it going again, thanks!
......
Click to expand...
 
adnick said:
That sucks that you’re arm was damaged, can’t help with the decision but if you decide to sell drop me a pm, might be interested…

VR
Andy
Click to expand...
Appreciate that! I’ll let you know if I end up going that way. I really do like Thorens record players.
 
tmesselt said:
Appreciate that! I’ll let you know if I end up going that way. I really do like Thorens record players.
Click to expand...

You have lots of options so just figure out which one fits you best. I’m just looking for a new project….

Good luck,
Andy
 
Athalwolf said:
Tell us more about your Mac gear.
Click to expand...

Sure!

i have a C20 for the preamp and one mc240 for the amp. This feeds a pair of Klipsch Heresy. Don’t love the speakers. Really want to get something to match well with the tubes. After I get this vinyl situation figured out they are next!
 
tmesselt said:
Sure!

i have a C20 for the preamp and one mc240 for the amp. This feeds a pair of Klipsch Heresy. Don’t love the speakers. Really want to get something to match well with the tubes. After I get this vinyl situation figured out they are next!
Click to expand...

It would be hard to better the TD124 with that set-up.
 
Yes, you need a 9” arm unless you use an extended armboard / custom plinth.

If you want a Jelco arm suggest you go to AK Bartertown and place a Want To Buy (WTB) ad and also over at US Audio Mart.

Many 124 owners use the SME 3009 arms as well.
 
The SME 3009 comes in 2 versions, the “improved” effective mass is low, then the “non improved” effective mass is medium, each variable with the headshell type.

Have a “ non improved” myself that gets moved around a bit, it’s currently residing on my Fairchild 412
 
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