The VN-150 Long Base! A transformed Thorens TD-150 w/ 12″ SME M2-12R arm, Origin Live DC Motor, and Santos Mahogany Plinth

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.

The Vinyl Nirvana VN-150 Long Base! A Transformed Thorens TD-150!

THE STORY

For four years I have been offering a Long Base version of the Thorens TD-125. Due to limited availability of stock, I have been forced to offer just six per year, and this past year, all six sold out within three months. One day as I was assembling a Thorens “VN-150″, a highly customized version of the stock TD-150, I began to wonder what it would take to expand that design to also accommodate a 12″ tonearm. It turns out, all it took was an expanded armboard, new longer spring studs with sturdier springs, and, of course, a longer base/plinth. Along the way, we opted for a taller look, to give it a more substantial look. Dimensions are 20 1/4″ wide, 13 3/4″ deep and 5″ to from the bottom of the feet to the top edge of the plinth. The display style dustcover is NOT included, but measures 20″ wide, 13.5″ deep, and 7” tall. (All outside dimensions)

THE TABLE

The solid wood plinth on this particular turntable is 3/4″ solid Santos Mahogany. The metal top plate is newly manufactured brushed and anodised aluminum. The arm board is new. A new 3/4″ MDF bottom dyed in grey adds stability and mass. As I do with the Thorens TD-160 Super Reproductions, damping has been added to the underside to limit unwanted resonances.

The TD-150 features two speeds, 33 and 45. The bearing, and bearing well have been serviced. They are dead quiet. Included in the package is a cork-rubber composite mat and a Bren record weight. A “display style” dust cover can be added for $199. (see pic)

Note: As this is our first, this particular turntable will be stamped “001” on the back plate and also signed on the inside by me.

The new SME M2-12R Tonearm Option

The SME tonearms have been lauded for their excellence for over 40 years. The M2-12R with its J-shape, was made to pay homage to the legendary SME 3012.  It incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belongs solidly in the here and now. It can easily handle cartridges in a multi-hundred dollar range.   The tonearm itself retails for over $2300.

If you purchase this table, we can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale.  I have several recommendations.  If I mount and align your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the peace of mind it’s been done right.  Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $2000 range with ease.  As I am a dealer, you can even consider an Ortofon SPU cartridge.

The new SME M2-12 Tonearm Option

The M2-12 is the straight arm version of the 12R. It incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belongs solidly in the here and now with its straight arm styling and proprietary magnesium  headshell.  It can easily handle cartridges in a multi-thousand dollar range. Quite possibly, this is the nicest arm I have offered on one of my turntables.   The tonearm itself retails for $1800.  I can send pictures of the M2-12 arm at your request.

If you purchase this table, we can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale.  I have several recommendations.  If I mount and align your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the peace of mind it’s been done right.  Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $2000 range with ease.  As I am a dealer, you can even consider an Ortofon SPU cartridge, though some may require an auxiliary weight.

The Origin Live Advanced DC Motor and Speed Control

New for 2015, I will be offering more turntables with the amazing Origin Live Advanced DC Motor option (retail $550)  Though Thorens stock motors are incredibly reliable, I know it will give many extra piece of mind to have a new motor installed.  Origin Live started offering their DC Motor kits in the mid-90s and have continued to refine and improve them for over twenty years.  When I first installed one in a Thorens, I was impressed with two things immediately: 1) the start up torque and 2) the wonderful  pacing it added to my lps, especially ones that were rhythmically oriented.  For example, I played quite a few lps by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.  I know these albums intimately, and on many tracks I was drawn into them to an extent I’d never experienced before.  Much more on Origin Live here. An interesting “debate” about AC vs DC in turntable motors.

The Details

The shipping is not included.  This table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. 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. Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.