Post by Owen Y on Dec 18, 2017 21:37:34 GMT 12
Here's one that you don't see too often, superseded the TD125 MkII in around 1974. I actually helped a pal buy this s/hand about 15 years ago, but became re-acquainted with it recently when visiting. Average pics sorry....   
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Member
Post by luckiestmanalive on May 27, 2018 22:59:26 GMT 12
How do you rate this table, Owen? I have an old ProJect Debut III that is now getting enough use to start upgradeitis. The TD126 strikes me as being too much for a turntable. I'm drawn toward the simpler designs like the TD115 or the older TD125. Soundwise, are these old tables still good enough to foot it with well-rated and reasonably priced new tables like the Rega P3?
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Post by Owen Y on May 28, 2018 11:58:56 GMT 12
Unfortunately I have not actually listened to this TT critically. I have owned a TD-125 MkII - heavy cast sub-chassis, weighty bass extension, a nice TT. Thorens tonearm is probably average sonically, by todays standards. I think I saw a pic online that suggests that Throens started going with pressed steel sub-chassis in the TD-126 - like later Thorens (& Linn Sondek). The TD-126 MkIII Electronic I believe, is more complex with its electronics. Also, I read that they went with a DC motor for this model (& returned to AC in the MkIV?).
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Post by Owen Y on May 28, 2018 12:05:50 GMT 12
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Pundit
Post by simonb on May 28, 2018 18:25:30 GMT 12
I believe TD125 & 126 have more in common as belt drives than the 124 (Idler Drive) Pretty much the same as Fiat 125 vs 124 ..... But would be great at the right price (Some might think of it as a Linn without the hype, just stirring.....) 
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Post by luckiestmanalive on May 28, 2018 22:23:53 GMT 12
Thanks, guys. It looks like a reasonable TD-125 would set me back a little over a grand, a TD-126 a little less, but I might be able to pick up a decent TD-115 (looks like a cut-down version of the TD-126) on SNA for $300 (I live in Sydney now)! I can live without the aesthetic of the TD-125 for that sort of discount if the table is in good condition. I also like the option of semi-auto on the TD-115 because I'm getting a bit absent-minded and have left the table spinning for hours and even overnight once...
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Post by luckiestmanalive on May 28, 2018 22:27:56 GMT 12
PS - Beautiful table SB!
PPS - I would like to experiment with tonearms (Rega especially) once I have a table that will take them
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Post by Owen Y on May 28, 2018 22:51:07 GMT 12
What sort of music do you play mostly? And what TT did you previously use?
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Post by luckiestmanalive on May 29, 2018 8:46:12 GMT 12
I mostly play contemporary (old and new) indie pop and rock on my ProJect Debut III. My wide and I have a record collection that begins in about 1980 with a break of about 20 years in the late 90s and noughties.
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Post by Graham on May 29, 2018 9:33:36 GMT 12
In my opinion ( as a bit of a Thorens fan ) I favour the TD125 over the TD126. The latter is known to be overly complicated electronically and the Mk III DC motor is also not as reliable as the good old AC synchronous used in all the others.
To me the ideal combination is the one I bought from Tony being a TD125 ( MkI ) with SME 3009. This is a classic combo that looks and performs wonderfully.
On a different level the TD115 is a good performer with the bonus of auto lift and shut off and would serve you well Luckiestmanalive.
Re fitting a different arm such as a Rega, certainly this would be possible and a worthwhile upgrade, but bear in mind it would be difficult to incorporate the auto lift function as this is part of the Thorens arm system. Not impossible but difficult.
Cheers
Graham
I wonder how many of todays turntables will still be running like this 50 year old classic. 
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Post by luckiestmanalive on May 30, 2018 21:50:01 GMT 12
Thanks, Graham. I love the look of your old deck - it really is a gorgeous looking TT!
I've done some more googling and most of the advice I've found suggests the tonearm on the TD-115 is supposed to be one of its better features and I couldn't find any examples of a custom arm on this table. In fact, one thread starter wanted to replace his broken tonearm and the advice was that no other tonearm would fit and he should buy a new TT and throw his TD-115 away!
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Post by Graham on May 31, 2018 9:49:54 GMT 12
Gasp !! Throw a Thorens away , to me that is sacrilege 
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Pundit
Post by papahemi on May 31, 2018 17:03:06 GMT 12
Unless They threw it your way! You'd be the man to get it going again.
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.
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Post by deano1974 on Jun 1, 2018 20:37:49 GMT 12
Graham will take any thorens and the work he does to them is magnificent, I would buy any of Grahams thorens that his golden fingers have touched
Manager & Product specialist at Rapallo AV & HI-FI
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Post by luckiestmanalive on Jun 2, 2018 11:25:30 GMT 12
I agree - I have admired many examples of his handiwork over the years and would be honoured to own one he has breathed new life into!
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