Thorens 125 MkII: MM or MC cartridge? What's diff?

Steve: You probably have a version of the 3009 arm, or if you are lucky a 3012 (12"). The Sure "V" that you have should sound very nice, on either, if it is in good shape. Might be best (as mentioned above) to just replace the stylus (if this is even needed) and listen to it "as is" cartridge wise for starters (these combo's are quite good). In your situation I would upgrade the IC's (just the interconnects - not the tone arm cabling) if this has not been done. Also, if it has the stock Thorens rubber mat, a Linn felt mat is a big step up. A felt mat will not only improve the sound (on Thorens) but will also cut down (considerably) on static build up. I am currently using a Thorens TD165, but did the above to a TD160II in the 80's (this one had the 3012 arm, Linn mat and your exact cartridge). Though the TD165 is a budget table (and me being on a budget:-), I have still replaced the IC's with 47 Labs OTA cable and made a DIY felt mat (even on this table - much better sound). I have not gone into setup (also crucial) and you might try researching this @ Audioasylum.com in the Vinyl Forum. Good luck and have fun.

Steve: Yes it is the platter mat. The last time I researched the Linn mat it was around $80 (which may have been @ a discount). Perhaps the members here have a source for a less expensive (but just as good) felt mat? Also research TT IC's as it seems that you will be starting fresh. The cable (IC) that I am using is part of a "kit" that costs $600 and I use the same cable throughout my system (even for speaker cable). I tried to hand cut my first DIY mat (I agree that doing this is not easy), but cut the second one on a direct drive turntable @ a thrift shop. I just punched a center hole, placed the felt square with some tape on the bottom side of it on the TT platter, started up the beater TT while wrapping my hand, which was holding a razor knife, around a shelf post for support and let her rip/cut. I consider this to be potlicking @ its best, but the guys @ the shop didn't mind and I got a nice circle out of this one. The 1/8" felt that I used was from McMaster-Carr and cost approx. $15 (enough material to make two mats). They are online @ (mcmaster.com/) though I have a branch 30" away from where I live. I hardwired my IC's to the table, but feel that you are on the right track upgrading the old Thorens RCA's. I have been replacing the RCA's on some new/vintage gear with good results and I am just using cheap gold plated ones. The gear that I end up keeping will get better RCA's down the line, but for now I am using some mystery ones that I purchased in bulk (a baggie full of them) @ a thrift shop for a few dollars. I still need to research these connectors as I am not certain as to what's hot and what's not. TT setup is too detailed to go into here (for me anyway), but there is tons of info on this @ Audioasylum, which also has a very nice search engine. The basics may even be in the FAQ section on the first page, but there is detailed info (on your model(s) - both TT and arm) in the forums. I used to have other people set up my TT's in the past, but have found (this time around) that it is really not that hard (time consuming yes, but not hard:-), plus I feel better knowing how to do this myself as I can now change things @ a whim. What you will need is a protractor (or cartridge gage) and a small mirror, a VTF gage/scale (to double check tracking force), some main bearing oil (Singer sewing machine oil is what I use and it's $2 a tube), a bubble level to place the deck on an even keel and perhaps some metric allen wrenches to adjust VTA. If some of this stuff came with the table, then all the better. I use elctrician's alcohal for general degreasing and cleaning the belt. Again this sounds complicated, but it's not once you start reading and doing it. The result is much better sound without spending much.