Another Turntable Offering:
The Master! Thorens TD-125 MKII w/upgraded SME 3009 Arm & Custom Santos Mahogany Plinth, $1895 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 Thorens TD-125 MKII w/SME 3009 Series II 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 Santos Mahogany 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 finishon the metal top is in very good to excellent condition. The brushed aluminum faceplate is in very good condition. All lettering crisp and clear. The arm board is new, painted satin black.
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, as well as the new acrylic set-on style dust cover.
Note: The Vinyl Nirvana metal name plate covers the hole originally used for the stock Thorens arm cueing lever.
The Classic SME 3009 Series II Tonearm w/Upgraded Wiring
The SME is an audio classic, coveted by many as THE vintage arm. It is simply one of the best respected and best looking tonearms ever produced. This specific arm is in good to very good cosmetic condition. If you look at the close up picture below, you can see the finish is lightly stained in some areas and lightly worn in others. However, it functions perfectly. As shown, the arm is mated with a solid oak armboard.
The vintage wiring has been replaced with Cardas wiring from the headshell coupling to the new Art Pop rca plugs. The sound upgrade is nothing short of stellar. Value $175.
If you purchase this table, we can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale. I have several recommendations. I am an authorized dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado. If I mount and align your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the piece of mind it’s been done right.
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 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.