• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Thorens TD124

I appreciate all the input I have received. Now I have to make a decision. I hate making decisions!
 
www.soundfountain.com/amb/td124page.html

You can get some info here.

The 124 is a good TT, but way overpriced, there are other Thorens as good or better. Supply and demand will drive up the price big time.
I know of one in Canada that went for $3800. with Grado cart and SME tonearm, which tonearm, I don't know.
In Germany the 124 will sometime command staggering prices.
Good luck.
 
I don't believe there is a vintage Thorens that is better than the TD 124. The TD 124 was Thorens TOTL. But I wouldn't mind finding out what you think betters it. I only have a TD 125 MKII to compare to my TD 124 MKI and I much perfer the TD 124 MKI. Interesting to hear what others have compared it to in the Thorens line and what the out come was.

They don't make these anymore and are becoming harder to come by, the prices on these seem to continue to climb every passing year. I am glad that I have mine and don't have to worry about them being priced out of my league. I hope you are able to decide if it is worth it to you. My guesstimate in original condition would be in the 1000 to 1500 range.

Kim
 
For idlers

I have a ROK B-12H which is a fine table not as much user control at the Thorens and the build quality is not as complex. The ROX is a fun table to work with as it is very straight forward in design and allows for a lot of tweaking this is the table that I moved my Grado lab series arm to.

I also have a Garrard 301 grease bearing that is a project table. beautiful design as well and built like a tank. I plan on building a massive plinth and mounting a Grado transcription arm on this table

Different than the TD 124 but both worthy on their own.
 
I have a TD 124/I and wouldn't part for it for the world. That being said, I do keep an eye of how much they go for on eBay. I've seen some go for upwards of $2000, but they were mint with top of the line components and original box, manuals, etc. Normally $1000 seems to be average for on in nice shape.

I also much prefer the earlier version than the 124/II, purely on aesthetics. I think the earlier beige color is much warmer than the later grey. I have never heard anywhere of any significant difference in sound.

I would really recommend jumping on one if the opportunity arises. $1500 is high unless it really is in like new condition. If you pay closer to $1000 I wouldn't worry about not getting your money back down the road if you decide to flip it.
 
Well technically I paid $100 for mine off Craiglist. It was in mint shape but the seller thought it was broken because it took too long to get up to speed.
 
There is no doubt that people who own a Thorens 124MKI, have a superb turntable.

Since I've just acquired a 145 Thorens about 3 months ago and had no previous experience with Thorens or any other TT except for a Dual acquired in 1977, it is not very hard to figure out that I'm no expert like some people.
I've to go with somebody that I know who has a 124, and a 126MK4 and had previous experience with other Thorens.
So to quote him, the 124 is a wonderful TT but he prefers is 126MK4.
Also according to him, the 126MKI, 125MKI and II and the 150 are very close to the 124, and depending on the person, even better.

Some people took an excellent turntable and made it what it's not, the best of the best. Lots of people go with price, if the price is astronomical, well it must be the best.

I like my 145MKI but do realize it is not in the same league, and that, is according to more knowledgeable people than me.
If I had any 124, I'd be very happy, but I'll never pay the present going rate, not worth it by a long shot.

So to conclude, there is no right or wrong, you think you have the best well it is the best, according to you.
 
Last edited:
well i just bought one from the SA for $5 , has the original black rounded plinth and dustcover with the SME 3012 tonearm...(not kidding)....photos to follow..i need to clean it, its really dirty
 
americankiwi said:
well i just bought one from the SA for $5 , has the original black rounded plinth and dustcover with the SME 3012 tonearm...(not kidding)....photos to follow..i need to clean it, its really dirty
Click to expand...

At the possible risk of being offensive to some people...Jesus tapdancing Christ!!!
 
Kim G said:
I don't believe there is a vintage Thorens that is better than the TD 124. The TD 124 was Thorens TOTL. But I wouldn't mind finding out what you think betters it. I only have a TD 125 MKII to compare to my TD 124 MKI and I much perfer the TD 124 MKI. Interesting to hear what others have compared it to in the Thorens line and what the out come was.

Kim
Click to expand...

How about a Thorens Reference or a prestige?
 
Well, since this thread has somewhat turned in to a TD 124 vs TD XX story I'll jump back in with my 2 cents...:D

I spent a lot of time reading the exultation of the TD 124 (I and II) line of Thorens turntables on this forum (and elsewhere). I watched these puppies go on flea-bay for more and more money. So when I finally saw one (MK II model) for about $600 (no base or arm) I jumped on it. I built myself a cherry wood base, got an SME 3012 arm for it, made myself one of those high polish, lacquered arm board (the triangular shape one - must have sprayed it and buffed it about 30 times), and I have to say that it is one sexy looking vintage TT.

Then a year later I got the MK I for free :D that I mated with a Grace tone arm (I'm working on a suitably sexy arm board for it). So that's another really sexy vintage TT.

I also had a 166 MK II and I thought it to be a very flimsy TT (Lot's of accolades about that TT on the boards :scratch2:)

I still have the 125 MK II (with an SME 3009) and I like this model Thorens a lot.

The thing with the 124s is that after all these years they need a lot of work to make them quiet (including re building the motor). These are great tables and build like tanks, but they are noisy as hell.

Clearly, there is a Thorens mystique out there. The 124s look sexy, take a LOT of work to sound great, and cost a lot of money, so maybe that makes them great tables. It may be a while till I get rid of any (or all) of my tables so I hope the hype lives on and the prices stay what they are.
 
Gtyler said:
How about a Thorens Reference or a prestige?
Click to expand...

Well those are definitely ahead of the TD 124. I will probably never even see one in my lifetime, let alone listen to or own one. Maybe that next garage sale .........................

Kim
 
I also have rebuilt two of these. The motor re-build and motor case alignment are the key to great sound. I paid $1,000 for one and $950 for the other. I figure parts were about $400-500 for each not including tonearm upgrades, homemade plinths and arm boards.
 
Hi Guys...well, I spent a couple days cleaning up the TD-124 with the SME 3012 arm, it came up nice,...all lubed up and running again... i stripped the plinth back to the bare wood, looks a lot nicer now than that dull chipped black paint, i "0000" steelwooled the plinth with wax, i do need to buy some parts for it though, the audio wiring is messed up and one of the audio wiring sheild cover bolts are broken, other one bent, but apart from that, im very happy with the finish!

i cant repost the pic's so here's a link to my first posting on the Thrift finds

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=3680268#post3680268
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom