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Thorens TD 125 vs. new cheap TT?

I got hold of an old TD 125 with a (probably equally old) Shure v15 mkII cart. It works, but even my newbie knowledge level can tell that it needs serious servicing. Is this a good turntable worth hanging onto? My budget is very limited, so a new tt would have to be in the $300 range.

If I should hang onto the Thorens, could anyone recommend a good, inexpensive phono preamp and cartridge to go with it?

Thanks for any ideas.
nacnud
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,558 posts
 
If the Thorens does not have any serious damage, keep it.

It's a much better deck than the new $500-$600 belt drives offered (even with the stock Thorens arm).

Check out the following WWW address for suspension tuning info.

http://www.theanalogdept.com/td125_susp.htm

BEFORE you spin any further clean out the main bearing and refill it with fresh oil.

Singer sewing machine oil (the one specifically for sewing machines) is fine/safe to use and it's readily available @ fabric shops.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,558 posts
 
Forgot to mention:

Go to the site map @ the website I listed. You can download manuals for your deck and tonearm.
nacnud OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for your help, much appreciated. I'm going to hang on to the Thorens.
satch
329 posts
 
Wise decision. Just curious: what arm is attached on it?
nacnud OP
6 posts
 
Satch--sorry for the late response. I've been trying to replace the original Thorens arm, which is in bad shape. I've just found an almost-new Rega 250 to go with it....
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