Description
Why buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen. The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Linn, and AR for over a decade. I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible. In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens.
Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary. It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided. When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting. If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.
As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them. Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory. Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source. For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty. Likewise, when something is custom painted or powdercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England. Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.
Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables. I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident. I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99%. In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal. A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life.
See our testimonial page.
The Legend! Thorens TD-125 Long Base w/ Sorane TA-1L 12″ tonearm in solid Caribbean Rosewood
The Story
In the back of my mind I knew that there was a Thorens TD-125 turntable that accommodated a 12 inch tonearm, however, it wasn’t until a faithful customer named Scott D started talking about the “Long Base” model that I realized it was something that Thorens actually produced themselves, direct from the factory. At first, I spent a few weeks trying to search out a TD-125 Long Base that Scott could purchase. There were various owners who had pictures of their prized possession on various forums and websites. One long base model even came up for sale on eBay, but it turned out to be just a chassis, with no plinth.
In my research, I began to realize that there was very little difference between the stock TD – 125 and the Long Base model: 1) larger plinth; 2) larger armboard; 3) larger aluminum switch/fascia plate. The first two differences were very minor, a matter of woodworking. However, the larger switch/fascia plate was going to take some planning to implement. First there was the actual manufacturer of the plate, and then there was the reproduction of the silk-screening. After three months, working with a variety of companies getting estimates and discussing various plans for implementation, the switch/facia plates were done and looked fantastic.
While that process carried onward, I had extended plinths made and a series of extended armboards. The plinths were three-quarter inch solid hardwoods. The armboards are machined aluminum and offer exceptional resonance control/damping. As a final touch, because I have always disliked the battleship gray/green color of the 125’s top plate, new top plate covers in either black or clear anodized and brushed aluminum are available.
Why a 12″ arm? Based strictly on geometry, it reduces tracking error. That may not be evidenced in everything you play, but on certain tracks, you can clearly hear that. Likewise, 12″ arms are just perfect for SPU cartridges.
The turntable can be converted to 220v/50hz and shipped overseas, if interested. Inquire for pricing.
The Turntable
Typically the 125 Long Base is a special order opportunity, but when my woodworker found this special piece of Caribbean Rosewood last summer recently, I decided to make an exception. The 3/4 Caribbean Rosewood plinth is crafted by a finish carpenter with over 30 years experience. As marvelous as it looks in photos, it looks even more amazing in person. The bottom plate is 1/2 black dyed mdf with cut outs for cables.
The turntable itself has gone through my usual restoration regimen. In addition to that work which essentially readies it for it’s next several decades of life, I have added the following new parts: reproduction switch fascia, clear anodized top plate cover, black anodized machined aluminum armboard, new switch plates, new springs, new adjustable feet, new ac cable, and new belt. This is also the first Long Base model to feature the new Torlon 4203 thrust pad.
A dust cover is not included. Due to the extended length of the arm, only a surround style cover can be used. This can be special ordered through me after the sale for $279 shipped.
Turntable Dimensions: 21.5″ wide by 14.5″ deep. Dust cover adds 1.5″ per side.
The new 12″ Sorane TA-1L Tonearm
“Reproduced sound is precise and clean, thanks to hand assembly by highly skilled craftsmen.”
Sorane was founded in 1974. Katsuaki Ishiyama-san collected designing and development knowledge for various tonearms manufactured by only handmade and assembled process, with his belief the fine tuning is only available by craftsmen’s precise and sensitive hand. Even after applying modern CNC milling machine at their own plant for basic parts production, their tonearms still rely on craftsmen’s expertise for final assembly, in particular, to have idealized mechanical surface contact with each other, by hand-tuning and hand-adjustment.
The major key to tonearm quality is the sensitivity and stability in retrieving delicate signals, for which the bearings are the determining factor. The TA-l employs a miniature radial bearing for horizontal movement and a miniature pivot bearing for vertical movement. Very high performance is achieved at a reasonable price. The body is constructed from a machine-tooled solid aluminum block. The hand-assembled arm wand satisfies every vital condition necessary for vibration-free and noise-free reproduction..
Reproduced sound is precise and clean, thanks to hand assembly by highly skilled craftsmen.
Comes with detachable Sorane headshell.
- Aftermarket SME style sliding base for easy adjustment of the spindle to pivot distance
- Five year “bumper to bumper” warranty through Vinyl Nirvana. Any issue, just contact us.
- Quality DIN cable produced by Sorane to accompany their excellent arms
Cartridges:
A phono cartridge is not included. This stunning table with a high quality tonearm is easily capable of handling cartridges in the $700 to $5000 range. I am a dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, Hana, and Grado. Inquire before or after the sale for pricing. Because the buyer was not able to select the wood and top plate color for this turntable, there will be a very generous discount given for cartridge purchase. When you buy from me, I mount and align the cartridge, making set up in your system much more streamlined. Spare headshells available for $85. Buy a second cartridge for an even greater discount.
The Details
110/120 volt 60 hz or 220V 50hz
Note: Turntables with sprung subchassis are wonderful in many ways for isolating your turntable from unwanted resonances, however, they are susceptible to footfalls. If this turntable is going in a room with bouncy floors, it will need to go on a wall shelf for proper functioning.
We have over fifteen years experience shipping vintage turntables successfully. All turntables are packed with the utmost concern with them arriving in the same condition you see pictured here.
If the buyer needs it, I can supply up to a half hour hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there. I also have many videos available to hel with various set-up issues.
Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. If you ever have an issue with your purchase, 3 weeks or months or years after the purchase, please contact me and we will resolve the issue in a way we mutually agree upon.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.
You can view original Thorens TD-125 sales brochures with specs here.
