Another Turntable Offering:
The Master! Thorens TD-125 w/new SME M2-9 Arm & Custom Bloodwood Plinth, $2395 plus shipping
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/SME M2-9Tonearm
Thanks for looking at and reading about this gorgeous Thorens TD-125. Though I love the TD 160 line, there is something about the substantialness of the 125 series that excites me. One thing is for sure, it is an ideal mate for the SME arms.
I would rate this particular turntable an 9.0/10.0. The custom solid bloodwood plinth was crafted by a finish carpenter/cabinet maker with over thirty years of experience. It was finished in mulitiple coats of tung oil finish. The custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the stock plinth. The rich grain looks even more amazing in person than it does in photos!
The original battleship grey finish on the metal top plate has been professionally sandblasted and then powdercoated. The new color, gray sparkle, looks amazing and is much more durable than regular paint. The brushed aluminum faceplate is in very good to excellent condition. The two switches have very minor blemishes. All lettering crisp and clear. The arm board is new, painted satin black and attached with new 316 SS screws that are non-magnetic and corrosion resistant.
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! It is ready for another 40 years of service! Note: More features of this custom TD-125 are highlighted in a youtube video at the bottom of this page.
The Bren weight is included, as well as the new acrylic set-on style dust cover. The mirror-polished platter adds $95. The usual finish is satin.
The SME M2-9 Tonearm
The SME tonearms have been lauded for their excellence for over 40 years. The M2-9 is their latest arm. (Retail $1595) It incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belongs solidly in the here and now. It can easily handle cartridges in a multi-thousand dollar range. (All box, packing, and literature is included.)
More detail on the SME M2 Line-up
Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $400 to $2000 range with ease. I would be happy to mount any cartridge for the new owner for $30. If I install the cartridge, it makes set-up incredibly easy for set-up. I am a also dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado. If you buy the cartridge from me, the installation fee is waived.
The Details
I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer UPS. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one 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.
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. Any new parts are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.
You can view original Thorens TD-125 sales brochures with specs here.