Custom Thorens TD-125 Turntable: Highlight of Features

Vinyl Nirvana owner Dave Archambault discusses one of his flagship restorations, the Thorens TD-125 turntable. This one features a 3/4" solid Bloodwood plinth and a new SME M2-9 Tonearm. The electronic circuitry in the unit has been rebuilt and restored to factory spec.

[@ralex3697]

Beautiful work !

[@ddanny3108]

Beautiful. Want to see more and hear it...

[@philipwebb960]

I love it that the record mat is warped.

[@cbooth2004]

Gorgeous.

[@marcusbrown1767]

I bought my td 125 today.. a bit nervous, it needs attention. But, a dandy indeed. I love that wood stain.

[@stevenkoski228]

Thorens originated in Switzerland, then moved to Germany. My late 80’s model TD520 at $1,100 new had their best technology, which I still use today. The factory heavy rubber platter mat was better than the felt one; less dirt & static that can accumulate. Looking at the new Mag_Lev turntable, which appears to be the sign of the future.

[@aaronmyls]

Thanks for sharing! Mancuso Forever!!!! :D

[@dkzzzz]

If record rests on independently (from the tonearm) suspended platter then my question is: would that independent movement of the record and platter create problems for the tonearm that is fixed and not moving with that part of the table at all?

[@olegua21]

I am agree to Wouter Levering opinion.

[@jhump2431]

How did you get the mirror finish on the platter? Yours looks great!

[@careystuart]

Start out using triple 0 steel wool and a polish like Brasso. It takes quite a bit of elbow grease!! Move to 4 "O" steel wool and just keep on polishing. If you have a grinder that is fitted w/ a buffing wheel so much the better, but I was able to get mine to look like chrome with just a lot of Elbow grease. Finally use a car wax to seal the finish . Best of luck!

[@barryp9463]

Nice tutntable

[@bilsob1]

where can I find your restoration page?

[@nadavgvaram1488]

Hey @ddarch88, You said the top plate weighs about 4 pounds. Can you tell how much the platter weighs as well? I'm considering transporting it with me at a plane by parts cause this whole thing is pretty heavy...

[@ddarch88]

I meant to say "platter" They range from 4lbs 8oz to 4lbs 12oz

[@manutd6666]

+ddarch88 There is the outer platter (the one you removed first right after the dust cover introduction), which you say is over 4 lbs, and the inner platter - the one you removed right after the previous (the cast metal) - how much does this one weighs?

[@bacillo48]

Hai sostituito la parte flottante e parte del movimento centrale, perno con la sfera e alloggiamento del perno, come hai operato? Al tornio o hai preso qualcosa già fatto? --- Have you replaced the floating part and part of the bottom bracket, pin with the ball and pin housing, how did you work? At the lathe or did you get something already done?

[@ddarch88]

I have not.

[@marcusbrown1767]

I may buy this model tomorrow, whats the width and length?

[@1AEROSOL.1PUFF]

IS THIS TURNTABLE SEMI AUTOMATIC ?

[@sweetsweatyfeet]

You do amazing work but I don't think I want to know what it costs with all these enhancements.

[@pinglunlaw3437]

over HKD 10,000 and you can search in e~bay with different Thorens varient.

[@CJlevels]

Where can you purchase these turntables

[@ddarch88]

www.vinylnirvana.com (having a hacked site issue right now, working on it)

[@Woutout]

It always suprises me how everyone seems to use record clamps / pucks on belt driven TT. The suspended chassis and belt are not built for that extra weight. It looks great, but only things like a new tt mat will provide better sound.

[@ddarch88]

If you have research to show me, I might be convinced. Until then, I'll keep using them and selling them, and you are entitled to your OPINION.

[@Woutout]

No research i'm afraid;) Just my own experience;) But it still looks great and on most Thorens TT (good motor), it's fine i guess. Never owned this model, only 2x a TD160. Now using a Micro Seiki DD40

[@MarkPMus]

It would be nice to hear the sound of the turntable! Nice handiwork but your pronunciation of the manufacturer's name is incorrect and made me cringe. They are a Swiss manufacturer I believe -Swiss or German. Either way, the Th is pronounced T as in the name Thomas. Not Th as in thing. So T/orens!

[@JanEskildsen]

You are right. I own one of those, since 1969.