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Thorens TD150AB back in rotation with Jelco SA750D Arm

ehoove

ehoove

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Good Day! I have replaced the Jelco SA370H variant (9" arm) LAD with the Jelco SA750D arm and upgraded cable. The Denon DL103r has more speed and clarity, as well as a more robust presentation. The SA750D arm is definitely higher in mass than the SA370H arm, and the headshell offers azimuth adjustment as well, just like my Sumiko headshell. Due the cost diferential I expected an improvement, but was not ready for the positive change this swap produced. The SA370H LAD version arm is a very nice and capable arm, but the SA750D arm is in a different league altogether.I am experimenting with finishes on my current plinth as I build my new solid walnut one, so this pic is of the black hammer-tone finish, which will be sanded down and refinished in piano gloss black when I move the table to the new walnut one. BTW The LAD SA370H Arm and the SA750D use the same mounting point. I mounted the arm after adjusting the size of the hole, and mounted the Sumiko headshell and the alignment was spot on! I have added adjustable spikes to the plinth as well.

This is a very nice arm, and a real value IMHO.:music:
Regards,
Jim
 
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ehoove said:
The LAD SA370H Arm and the SA750D use the same mounting point.
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You mean the same mounting style (hole pattern) right? Not the same spindle to pivot distance. I notice you have the Denon mounted right at the front end of the head-shell.

jeff
 
vinylkid58 said:
You mean the same mounting style (hole pattern) right? Not the same spindle to pivot distance. I notice you have the Denon mounted right at the front end of the head-shell.

jeff
Click to expand...

Jeff,
Same mounting distance. The SA370H mount just screws into the top of the armboard, where the SA750d bolts to the soundboard and has a collar that fits into the armboard. The arm is mounted per the mounting template provided, and is dead on the $$. The cartridge is aligned using a Baerwald configuration, which it was in the SA370H arm. The Sumiko Blue point #2 mounted further back in the SA370H. FWIW
Regards,
Jim
 
let's see...gloss black plinth..silver metal...hm..i'd be tempted by some deep burgundy or red or a gun metal grey finish on that armboard...:D
but i have eccentric tastes so ignore me..:yes:
it does look great so far though :thmbsp:
 
vinylkid58 said:
FWIW, they don't share the same effective length and spindle to pivot distance.That's interesting, my 370H has a "bolt on" collar. I guess LAD spec'd a slightly different collar.
Click to expand...

The standard SA370H is different from the London Acoustical Development version which shares the tonearm length of the SA750D.

The LAD version uses a surface mount collar with setscrews.

These are different versions of the SA370H.

Regards,
Jim
 
ehoove said:
The standard SA370H is different from the London Acoustical Development version which shares the tonearm length of the SA750D....
Click to expand...

Huh. I did not know this- I also thought the LAD was the same length as the 370. This is good to know.
 
Very nice Jim, I'll be very interested in your thoughts after you have lived with it for awhile, the 750 is on my short list. :thmbsp:
 
Divotdog said:
Very nice Jim, I'll be very interested in your thoughts after you have lived with it for awhile, the 750 is on my short list. :thmbsp:
Click to expand...
Mel,
I will tell you this, with the DL103r it is very very impressive. Much smoother presentation that never seems out of control even on complex orchestra works. I exhibits more control over the 103r than the lad, probably due some what to it's heavier mass. Using the Shure test record, it starts bouncing around 8Hz, 2 Hz lower than the 370H Lad. Every facet is improved, cueing, mounting, feel, sound, and ergonomics. The DL103r has more grunt and better speed on the top end but retains the luscious mid range that is it's strong suite. The arm is also quieter, due to the din plug cables as opposed to the 6 wire setup of the 370H. I am very pleased with this purchase, and can recommend this arm for anyone seeking a high mass arm. :thmbsp:
Regards,
Jim
 
It is in the future, since I have the 750D headshell available to give it a try without having to dismount the DL103r. However It would be interesting to run the DL103r in the Pro-Ject 9cc arm as well! :^)
Regards,
Jim
 
Jim, glad to see you getting good use from this 150- a very nice table. Also pleased to hear you'll be experimenting with various arms too.

Jim- you grabbed A.Wise's 126, correct? Plans for that?
 
thedelihaus said:
Jim- you grabbed A.Wise's 126, correct? Plans for that?
Click to expand...

Yes I did, and the TD126 MkIII is in such fine condition, I am reticent to fiddle with it at this point, rather I'm concentrating on the TD150. I am very impressed with the Signet AK50 tone arm, and with a Sonus Gold Blue cartridge mounted it is a phenomenal sounding Arm/table combo in stock form. IMHO

BTW, I have found none of the stated issues with the DC Flywheel motor in this Model of the TD126 table.
Regards,
Jim
 
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