2022 Special Order Opportunity:
The Legend Lives! Vintage Thorens TD-125 Long Base, Sorane TA-1L Tonearm, and Custom Plinth in Your Wood Choice, $4295 plus shipping
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. (Example photos show the clear anodized aluminum (silver).
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.
Thorens TD-125 Long Base Turntable Special Order Opportunity!
For 2022, just six five four three two one TD-125 Long Base Models will be offered is remaining. These will begin to ship in October of 2022, in the order in which they were received. Our hope is to ship the last of the six units no later than December 1st 2020. Send me an email to start the discussion/order process.
The solid wood plinth in your choice of wood** will be made by my finish carpenter, a fine craftsman who has been working with wood his whole adult life, over 35 years. Note the exquisite detail, including adding a “return” on the front edges so no “end grain” will show. It’s pure skill how he carefully matches the grain on those ends!
Unlike the original TD-125 plinth which was veneered, yours will be solid 3/4 wood. It will been finished with three coats of finish, one recommended to highlight the beauty of your wood. Additionally, modern adhesives and reinforcements ensure this will become an heirloom. The top plate cover is available in clear (silver) or black anodized and brushed aluminum. The brushed aluminum reproduction switch plate is new. The aluminum machined arm board is new. A new 1/2″ MDF bottom has been added with adjustable feet.
The TD-125 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 and transistors most likely to fail replaced! After replacement, it was completely reset to original spec. It is now ready for another 40 years of service! Here is a detailed list of how a TD-125 is serviced by Vinyl Nirvana. Click here for thorough TD-125 documentation.
Dimensions: 21.5″ wide by 14.5″ deep.
A solid acrylic surround style dust cover with handle cutouts is available for $229. (my wholesale cost)
**Occasionally, our wood supplier is out of a given wood or the selection is not ideal. You will be given the opportunity to choose another wood or to wait until inventory improves, the latter of which will obviously delay the ultimate completion date.
The new Sorane TA-1L Tonearm
Since Jelco left the scene in March 2020, Sorane has been filling the void for affordable tonearms hand-built to extreme tolerances. Skilled hand assembly involves measurement, adjustment and hand-fitting to produce optimal interface between machined surfaces. Once completed, the fit between every part is ideal, satisfying the necessary conditions for vibration-free and noise-free reproduction of analog sound. Read Michael Fremer’s review of the 12″ Sorane arm here.
The included custom DIN cable, sourced from the UK, is specifically designed for suspended decks. It also has dual grounding. I’ve been using this cable five years on all of my DIN interface 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.
The arm is mounted on a custom machined aluminum armboard. The aluminum offers exceptional damping/isolation of the tonearm/cartridge.
The Sorane TA-1L retails for $1895.
Recommended Cartridge Options
Hana ML/MH, $1095 Special Package Price
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, $2195 Special Package Price
Ortofon SPU Classic GM E MKII, $995 Special Package Price
Ortofon SPU Royal GM MKII, $2395 Special Package Price
Dynavector 20X2 High or Low Output, $1095 Special Package Price
For 2022, special pricing is available on these five cartridges as part of the complete package. I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss which cartridge makes the best sense for your current system, your listening habits, and your budget.
The Details
Generally, 50% down at time of order and the rest due at completion.
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 twnety 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 help 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.
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 powercoated, 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 99.7%. 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.