Steelhead,
While I agree the Thorens 126 is a fine table, I believe it's a belt drive, not a direct drive:
http://www.angelfire.com/retro/clockz/126mk3/TD126mk3.html
Avantgardemzk,
I'm also in the process of experimenting with direct drive. I currently have a Technics SL-1200, which qualifies as both vintage and new, since it's a 30 year old design that is still sold today. I'm going to get mine cleaned up and then fit a Rega armboard on it:
http://www.tonearm.co.uk/dj_technics_armboard.htm
to see how my RB-250 sounds with it. Easy, cheap fun!
While I agree the Thorens 126 is a fine table, I believe it's a belt drive, not a direct drive:
http://www.angelfire.com/retro/clockz/126mk3/TD126mk3.html
Avantgardemzk,
I'm also in the process of experimenting with direct drive. I currently have a Technics SL-1200, which qualifies as both vintage and new, since it's a 30 year old design that is still sold today. I'm going to get mine cleaned up and then fit a Rega armboard on it:
http://www.tonearm.co.uk/dj_technics_armboard.htm
to see how my RB-250 sounds with it. Easy, cheap fun!