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.
This Week’s Custom Thorens TD-125 w/Jelco TK-850S
Thanks for looking at and reading about this opportunity to own a restored and customized Thorens TD-125 MKII The TD-125 was Thorens flagship model from the late 60s to the early 70s. It was and is a magnificent turntable using a belt driven, suspended subchassis philosophy, what I feel strongly is the pinnacle of turntable design.
The TD-125 MKII features three speeds: 16, 33, and 45. There is a pitch controller and a stroboscope for precise speed adjustment. The speed control unit has been completely serviced, with the caps, pots and other parts most likely to fail replaced! It is ready for many additional decades of service!
Worthy of this heirloom status, your custom turntable is mounted in a three-quarter inch Zebrawood plinth crafted by a finish carpenter/cabinet maker with over thirty years of experience. It is finished in multiple coats of tung oil finish. The custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the stock plinth, which I feel further increases the performance of the turntable. Check out the gorgeous grain on this one, and how it is “carried” around the front corners. It looks even more amazing in person!
The old Thorens “battleship green” top plate has been covered with a brushed aluminum top plate in black anodized. A product introduced earlier in 2019, but this is our first listing with one! The cork-rubber composite mat is included, as is the new custom acrylic set on style dustcover. New for winter 2019/2020, all TD-125s come with adjustable feet!
The new Jelco TK-850s Tonearm
The Jelco 850S, new to the market in January 2018, is Jelco’s venture into higher end tonearms, but continuing their philosophy of exceptional value. Unlike their previous arms, this features a knife edge bearing made of superior steel which contributes to very stable and smooth operation. This knife edge is precision handmade and the result is very low friction. It features a universal headshell design and a counterweight that can account for cartridges in a very wide weight range. Like other Jelco arms, this leans on the side of being heavy in mass.
The included custom cable, sourced from the UK, is specifically designed for suspended decks. It features Mogami Mini Starquad Tonearm cable, an angled DIN connector and Starline RCAs. It also has dual grounding. I’ve been using this cable for two years on all of my Jelco arms; it’s an exceptional cable, and it’s included at this price! Most angled DIN tonearm cables made today are too thick/stiff for suspended decks.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the knife-edge bearing, the arm will be partially disassembled for shipment. I have a video showing how to install the arm into its collar and connect the DIN cable. Total install time less than 20 minutes. I can send the video before purchase, if desired.
Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $400 to $2000 range with ease. I am a dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado.
The Details
110/120 volt 60 hz or 220V 50hz
Note: Will not ship until after January 2, 2020
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.
