Another Turntable Offering:
The Classic! Thorens TD-125 MKII w/SME 3009 Series II Arm & Custom Caribbean Rosewood Plinth
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%. 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 Thorens TD-125 MKII w/SME 3009 Series II Improved Tonearm
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 3009 arms series.
I would rate this particular turntable an 8.5/10.0. The custom solid Caribbean Rosewood plinth was crafted by a finish carpenter/cabinet maker with over thirty years of experience. It was finished in multiple coats of teak oil finish. The custom plinth is substantially more dense and heavy than the stock plinth. The rich reddish brown grain looks even more amazing in person than it does in photos!
The metal top is in very good condition. Note one area of abrasion to the left of the platter (see pic) and one to right of platter. (see pic) The brushed aluminum faceplate is in excellent condition. Note the Vinyl Nirvana logo plate covers the original cueing lever opening. The arm board is in excellent condition, with only minor blemishes so slight they were difficult to photograph.
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!
The Bren weight is included. The new custom acrylic dustcover is available for $115, but must be shipped separately. It is set-on style.
The SME 3009 Series II Tonearm
The SME 3009 tonearms have become the holy grail for vintage turntable enthusiasts. The arms have consistently increased in value over the past 10 years. The Series II (non-Improved) is arguably considered the best of the 3009s; they have graced literally hundreds of turntables in the 125 series. This was THE classic table/arm combo in college in the 70s and early 80s. Cosmetically, the arm is in very good to excellent condition, with no significant flaws to report. It is 100% tested and functional
Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $500 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 Fedex Ground. 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. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new items are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Some comments from buyers….
“Outstanding & dedicated craftsman. Helpful hints. Personal attention.”
“The best! A great communicator who goes above and beyond in the service dept.”
“If you want an excellent reconditioned vintage turntable, Dave’s the Man! Thanks”
“When eBay was invented, nobody dreamed there’d be a seller as great as Dave!!”
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.