View Full Version : The great Thorens plinth conundrum
I could do with a little direction and advice regarding a plinth for the Thorens TD 124. I have done plenty of reading and it seems that some consider that the plinth for a 124 is not as critical to the sound of the deck as with for example, the Garrard 301/ 401. Now I cannot attest to this and I don't mind being 'schooled' in the slightest if others hold a contrary view. I am leaning towards a larger plinth with capacity to take a 12" arm in addition to the 9" arm on the decks standard armboard.
I am worried that a solid plinth will cause the motor to overheat and potentially shorten its life but I do want to get the most out of my new deck. However if what I read holds true a massive, solid design might not yield sonic benefits and it might be safer to buy a hollow type of plinth. I have seen plinths from DAS, NWA, RFC, Plinthology etc and they are very nice but does anyone know of any other company I might consider who can make a large plinth. Further to that has anyone used a shot filled plinth with the Thorens and what are your thoughts?
Choices, choices! One thing is for sure I wont be able to invest in the very expensive plinths out there as lovely as some of them might be. any advice you give will be appreciated.
Why do you think a solid plinth may cause the motor to overheat?
I have read that the motor on the Thorens can become quite warm and I have surmised that a solid plinth with little ventilation might cause it to become warmer than was intended. I noted that the Ortofon style plinth was hollow and have rightly or wrongly assumed that the Thorens was intended to be housed in a hollow plinth. I would be glad to be mistaken Mark.
The Black Adder
23-06-2019, 18:37
It won't allow the motor to overheat unless the plinth is really tight but any plinth where its within say 1 cm away from the motor walls is simply a bad design in any case.
So generally plinths do have enough room. In fact most are totally open style underneath.
The solid plinths have plenty of room. I've never heard of one being too cramped.
So there is enough ventilation in whichever chassis you choose and even more ventilation all round if you decide to use the mushrooms to separate the chassis from the plinth so don't worry.
Remember that back in the day they were mounted in to console desks too.
I've had a solid plinth using no mushrooms and it's never overheated.
I've had my TD124 for I've 10 years now too with no problems.
Hope that helps.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
DiveDeepDog
23-06-2019, 18:58
The 124 motors are happier with 220v and do get warm with UK voltages especially if you're nearer the top of spec (253v:scratch:)
My 124 journey is still a roundtuit project, however I'll leave more space around the Thorens motor than I would a Garrard 3/401.
That is reassuring Josie, what type of plinth did you choose and who made it (if you don't mind me asking)?
https://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa480/Ev010/image.jpeg (https://s1199.photobucket.com/user/Ev010/media/image.jpeg.html)
It is now sitting on a stand rather than on the wall and is still on the sanding blocks (cork). Tapping the stand is clearly audible when playing music.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/aa480/Ev010/0/0f7a7f16-63ce-486c-9e56-16575890721a-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/Ev010/p/0f7a7f16-63ce-486c-9e56-16575890721a)
This is as it is tonight on the stand and now sporting a rather nice Audio Note IQ1.
I think I would like the option of a another arm 9 or 12” (perhaps a mounting flexible to be adapted to take either).
I would choose a heavy tonearm suited to something like my old Transfiguration Spirit.
Patrick Dixon
23-06-2019, 20:36
My 124 is in a solid plinth with a Mission 774, Decca C4e and a Bastin PSU. It sounds fab-u-lous.
Alreet Mr Hallwood! Tell me a bit about the plinth you use.
https://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa480/Ev010/image.jpeg (https://s1199.photobucket.com/user/Ev010/media/image.jpeg.html)
It is now sitting on a stand rather than on the wall and is still on the sanding blocks (cork). Tapping the stand is clearly audible when playing music.
I see you’ve made allowances for ventilation! No chance of overheating.
Russell
I see you’ve made allowances for ventilation! No chance of overheating.
Russell
Yes, the ultimate skeletal plinth!
Yes, the ultimate skeletal plinth!
Is there anyone who will make a plinth to your design? Seems easy enough, design it with slots all around, and feet that hold it half inch off the table. It could be very custom cool?
Russell
I’m leaning towards an Ortofon style plinth using the mushrooms etc. Cheap and cheerful seems like the way forward- that will mean ditching the second arm.
I have been using Thorens TD 124/II decks for the last 47 years. I have three of them, and all have been used in plinths of various design.
It is my understanding that the Thorens 124 deck is largely immune to the plinth into which it is used. It was designed for broadcast use as well as use in domestic situations, so the use in a free standing plinth or in a 'console' is moot.
My first 124 was used in a plinth of my own design (an 'open frame' design, without a base, built for my me by my late father, and still in use today). The other two are housed in plinths designed for me by a fellow TD124 enthusiast Jason Choong: one allowing the use of a 9" pick-up arm, the second allowing the use of a 12" arm.
I also have a third plinth made by the Austrian company DAS ACOUSTIC. This has provision for the use of both 9" and 12" arms. It is a 'solid' plinth having a black lacquer 'piano finish' gloss, but unlike the Bastin-style plinths, it is not one which is scalloped out to take the turntable and its motor mechanism. The centre 'well' provides ample clearance for the motor and the speed change mechanism.
The motor of the TD124 is no more prone to overheating than any other TT motor.
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