Thorens. Vintage or New?

Both the Thorens TD-1600 and the vintage Thorens TD-125 MKII with modifications offer excellent sound quality and build reliability. The TD-1600 is a new model with modern engineering and materials, providing a refined sound and improved components. On the other hand, the vintage TD-125 MKII, when restored and modded with a Sorane TA-1 tonearm by Vinyl Nirvana, can offer a unique and potentially more characterful sound. However, the vintage option may require more maintenance due to its age. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference. If you value modern engineering and convenience, go for the TD-1600. If you appreciate vintage charm and potential customization, the restored TD-125 MKII may be your choice.

New Thorens or old? Tough call! I have two in my collection: a TD150/SME series 3 and a TD125/Rega RB300. The Vinyl Nirvana TD125/Sorane TA-1 is particularly appealing - they do excellent restoration/mod work! I have the Vinyl Nirvana original AR turntable - it is quite a beauty! How do the pictures of the TD125 look?

Coincidentally, I woke up remembering the best bass I ever had:

Thorens TD124 (super heavy platter was the key IMO)

SME 3009 series 2

Shure V15Vxmr Beryllium Cantilever

................................................

The TD124’s incredibly machined platter shaft with bottom bearing was sensitive to vertical movement. Unfortunately, my wood floors were too flexible (at former location), so after years of careful approach/retreat, no dancing, I Traded it for a spare Fisher 500C.

Dropped the Shure Beryllium stylus assembly two inches, super stiff Beryllium cantilever shattered.

I went for AT440ml and Shure’s mr (because it had Shure’s dynamic brush), both aluminum cantilever I think)

.........................................................

Recently, I had Steve at VAS build me a Frankenstein stylus assembly: boron cantilever, advanced stylus (Steve calls ’P’) on a Shure stylus assembly with Shure’s damped brush. Fits both the Shure M97xe body and the V15Vxmr body.

BTW, Jico boron/shibata stylus with brush, the brush is not damped.

The TD-125 would be built to order and customizable.  An example is here: https://vinylnirvana.com/product/the-master-thorens-td-125-mkii-w-sorane-ta-1-tonearm-in-solid-zebrawood

In addition to the new solid plinth, dustcover and tonearm, here's the service list: https://vinylnirvana.com/restoration_services/restoration-thorens-td-125125-mkii-turntables

My present setup is a Herron VTPH-2A / deHavilland UltraVerve 3 (hand built by Kara Chaffee) / Pass Xa.25 / Klipsch La Scala (vintage 1990 birch plywood).  I listen to rock, jazz and blues and it's on a basement slab.

I tend to gravitate towards well built and good value for the sound they produce.  Kinda thinking the 1960s German made and carefully restored TD-125 would be a better fit than a new shiny made in Taiwan TD-1600.  Price difference is only about $500.  

Personally, I find the appearance of the TD124 prefferable.

Many custom plinths exist, including this 2 tonearm one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185735783769?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=185735783769&targetid=1528987494216&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9003512&poi=&campaignid=19851828444&mkgroupid=145880009174&rlsatarget=pla-1528987494216&abcId=9307249&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7aqkBhDPARIsAKGa0oJ4g5lozUiVyGTyc6rB6nccrN5JETKCaDQbQJJ1jhWZV-PeCnpZrA0aArV5EALw_wcB

Steve at VAS has several TD125’s he showed me. That site to restore 125’s looks good here’s a search for restoring 124’s

https://www.google.com/search?q=restore+thorens+td124&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1042US1042&oq=restore+thorens+td124&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390i650l5.11143j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I saw a fabulous site for Garrard 301’s which are seldom mentioned here.

https://www.woodsongaudio.com/service/garrard-301-restoration-service

and this one

https://www.artisanfidelity.com/new-products

It’s great that these ancient wonders get so much respect. some of these do not have dust covers, which I need. have fun with your project.

Though we kind of had a silly falling out, I will say emphatically that no one Stateside can restore a TD124 with the precision and thoroughness of Greg Metz just outside Nashville. Like most passionate and highly intelligent people, he is quirky. He does not supply plinths and I don't recommend him for providing a turntable, mounting an arm, or selling a complete deck with a plinth he sources. But he will, if necessary, strip down a used TD124 chassis to the bare metal, completely disassemble every part including disassembly and rebuilding of the motor, and rebuild it with a mix of original and upgraded parts, repaint the chassis to the original or custom color, and in the end deliver a drive unit that is way above anyone else's. Greg is absolutely passionate about the TD124 and it shows in his skill and work. You can source your own used unit or buy one from him. In my case I had virtually every possible upgrade done including a stout custom designed bearing and a heavy platter.