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Thorens TD125MKII - external speed controller?

DanBNash

DanBNash

Active Member
Just curious - are there any external speed controllers compatible with the TD125MKII.
I haven't found one from reading online. If so, does anyone use one? If not, why aren't they compatible?
Thanks in advance for any information.
 
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DanBNash said:
Just curious - are there any external speed controllers compatible with the TD125MKII.
I haven't found one from reading online. If so, does anyone use one? If not, why aren't they compatible?
Thanks in advance for any information.
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Curious why you would want or need one? The 125s have a darned good speed control circuit built right into it. If that has given up the ghost they aren't too bad to rebuild.
 
The TD-125 speed control is an excellent design and a good example of dinosaur ''cutting-edge'' technology.

They're not the easiest to work on physically,and they do have their idiosyncrasies.Main concerns are usually dirty switch contacts and trim pots,bad electrolytics,and locating the appropriate bulb can sometimes be difficult. Also,dialing in the circuit adjustments requires some equipment and technical savvy.

My own rebuilt TD-125 MK1's have served me flawlessly for over 20 years,and as a tech,I would never even consider using an outboard speed controller.
 
Thanks for all the great info. Mine has a quirk where it plays at 33 while set on 45 and is much slower at 33. I effectively have no 45 setting although that's really not much of an issue for me.
Down the road I guess I should have it looked at if I plan to play singles or high end 45 LP's.
 
A Thorens belt is super easy to replace. All you have to do is take off the platter mat and carefully lift off the outer platter for access. The inner platter can stay in place. I've read that Q Audio has the correct Thorens belts. Good luck.
 
ranch 22b said:
A Thorens belt is super easy to replace. All you have to do is take off the platter mat and carefully lift off the outer platter for access. The inner platter can stay in place. I've read that Q Audio has the correct Thorens belts. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Yes they do, genuine Thorens belt for $30. I think I will buy one and try that out so see if it fixes my speed problem. Worst case, I've got an extra belt for the future.
 
tnsilver said:
Instinctively I'd say that if you can find your way with a $19 DMM and measure voltage - you could easily fix this your self by following the SM procedures. BUT... That sounds so quirky, it's got to be the belt. Do you know how old is it? What's the general condition? TD's are kinda sensitive to it. If a new replacement doesn't solve your quirk - then you go medieval on the electronics - but give it a shot first. Another simple cause for this would be, say, if someone removed the PCB and reinstalled it with the speed bar missing one notch on the switch. Then you'd have very similar behaviour. Two speeds only - not necessarily the correct ones. Is that possible?
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Thanks Tom. I think I will buy a new belt and see if that works. If it's the 2nd scenario, not sure I could deal with that on my own.
 
Just my 2¢ on ''Q Audio'':

I once called them to make an inquiry re their Thoren's belts. The individual I spoke with was abrupt,dismissive and had no interest in answering ANY questions whatsoever.Quite frankly,he was a real dick,and his only interest was my credit card number.I took my business elsewhere.His loss,as I believe my final purchase was something like 5 belts for my assorted tables.I'm a bit of a Thoren's fan:)
 
DanBNash said:
Thanks for all the great info. Mine has a quirk where it plays at 33 while set on 45 and is much slower at 33. I effectively have no 45 setting although that's really not much of an issue for me.
Down the road I guess I should have it looked at if I plan to play singles or high end 45 LP's.
Click to expand...
Sounds like something is out of whack in the electronics. All of these need a going over, recap and proper adjustment by this point in time if it hasn't been done previously. I am not sure about the MkII, but I got the service manual for my MkI at Vinyl Engine and the adjustments were done after a recap based on the specs. Worked out fine.
 
Thanks all - I've only owned the table for a few months and I did have the arm rewired due to issues there. I honestly don't know if speed thing is new or if came that way.I think I have switched speeds and it worked at one time but I can't be sure. I have access to a good tech shop here so I will probably take it there if a belt replacement doesn't do the trick. If that works, I will report back here!
 
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