TD125 Project & Arm advice

[Geoff101]

Hello,

As I mentioned in a couple of sale threads, I've got a bit of a Thorens project on. I recently aquired a TD125. It came in a flimsy plastic plinth with what looked like an incomplete Lenco arm on it.

I got a plinth from these chaps on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/desygn.and.sound/m.html?item=181713559312&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Mine was the cheapest one in oiled cherry but I have to say that for the money, I'm very pleased with it. It's well finished, fits beautifully and is very solid.

I have currently stuck a Rega arm in which I know is not mounted at the correct distance but I just wanted to see whether it works.
So far, all I've done is clean and re-oil the bearing, fit a new belt and remake the mains connection which was hanging off! It will need the motor set up again and possibly a bit of work on the motor control board depending if I can get it stable - it looks a bit involved but hopefully I'll be up to it. I've also started the very long task of polishing up the platter.

Picture as is:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/TD125.JPG

I have a couple of arm boards in the post but as you only get one chance to drill them, I would welcome some advice as to which combinations people think would work well.

Without spending any money, I have the following arms available:

SME 3009 Series 2 Improved (currently with a Shure V15 II)
SME Series 3 (also with a Shure V15 II)
Rega RB300 (as pictured with an AT OC3 of unknown age) - this has had a cardas rewire internal and external but otherwise standard.

I've a collection of cartidges available - mostly old shures:

M75ED - aftermarket EVG stylus
M91ED (x2) with original stylus
M95ED (x2) with original stylus
V15 II - aftermarket stylus until I decide I want to use them seriously
Ortofon VMS20E Mk2 (very used original stylus)
Ortofon LM20 with original stylus of unknown age
AT OC3
Pickering XV15 with EVG stylus

Using a Nakamichi CA-5Eii pre which has a respectable built in MM / MC phono stage.

I quite fancy trying one of the arms I don't use on the Thorens, on my SL1210 if that makes any difference.

Thanks

[Barry]

If it were me, I would choose the SME 3009 Series 2 Improved. :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

If it were me, I would choose the SME 3009 Series 2 Improved. :)

Same as this.

The TD125 / SME 2 non-improved is a match made in heaven, so I wouldn't imagine the improved is a great deal different.

[Geoff101]

It does look quite nice with the SME 2:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/TD125_2.JPG

[dario1954]

What is the mat you are using on your Thorens?

[Geoff101]

It's a Funk Firm Achromat. Can't say it makes much difference but it's a nice look! I bought it used.

[Floyddroid]

Beautiful job.
Hello,

As I mentioned in a couple of sale threads, I've got a bit of a Thorens project on. I recently aquired a TD125. It came in a flimsy plastic plinth with what looked like an incomplete Lenco arm on it.

I got a plinth from these chaps on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/desygn.and.sound/m.html?item=181713559312&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Mine was the cheapest one in oiled cherry but I have to say that for the money, I'm very pleased with it. It's well finished, fits beautifully and is very solid.

I have currently stuck a Rega arm in which I know is not mounted at the correct distance but I just wanted to see whether it works.
So far, all I've done is clean and re-oil the bearing, fit a new belt and remake the mains connection which was hanging off! It will need the motor set up again and possibly a bit of work on the motor control board depending if I can get it stable - it looks a bit involved but hopefully I'll be up to it. I've also started the very long task of polishing up the platter.

Picture as is:

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/TD125.JPG

I have a couple of arm boards in the post but as you only get one chance to drill them, I would welcome some advice as to which combinations people think would work well.

Without spending any money, I have the following arms available:

SME 3009 Series 2 Improved (currently with a Shure V15 II)
SME Series 3 (also with a Shure V15 II)
Rega RB300 (as pictured with an AT OC3 of unknown age) - this has had a cardas rewire internal and external but otherwise standard.

I've a collection of cartidges available - mostly old shures:

M75ED - aftermarket EVG stylus
M91ED (x2) with original stylus
M95ED (x2) with original stylus
V15 II - aftermarket stylus until I decide I want to use them seriously
Ortofon VMS20E Mk2 (very used original stylus)
Ortofon LM20 with original stylus of unknown age
AT OC3
Pickering XV15 with EVG stylus

Using a Nakamichi CA-5Eii pre which has a respectable built in MM / MC phono stage.

I quite fancy trying one of the arms I don't use on the Thorens, on my SL1210 if that makes any difference.

Thanks