Thorens - TD 125 MK II with SME 3009 II and Shure V15 IV Turntable

This Threns TD 125 MK II is equipped with an SME 3009 V.II tonearm and a Shure V15 IV Cartridge. The cover is a custom made in acrylic 1,5 mm manufactured on demand by Into Vinyl in Netherlands.

This turntable and its tonearm has gone through a complete reconditionning process by the best Thorens French Expert, Arnaud. Some pics of the reconditionning process are included at the end of the gallery. Before that, this TD 125 has been stored in it's original box for four decades.

Reconditionning process:
All electronic parts have been replaced by High quality components, and upgraded in revision 2 board, the tone arm has been totally dismounted, cleaned, adjusted with new Cardas litz wires, grummets, hydraulic damper, socket. New canare audio cable, with gold platted RCA plugs. all the welding process has been operated with cardas silver soldering. Every piece of this mythical turntable has been dismounted, cleaned, lubrificated, adjuted, including dampers, axis, motor. The cartridge is a NOS (New Old Stock) new V15 IV.

In resume, this TD 125 is now exactly as it was out of the box, including all mechanical and electronical adjustements. Almost no sign of wear on the plinth, and a High Quality new cover. Protractor Tool and SME Specific Screwdriver is in the Box. Electronic version of the user manuals of the Turntable, Tonearm and cartridge will be included on CD.

Due to weight and exceptional turntable and cover condition, the turntable can be taken in Bordeaux by the buyer or it's representative. Expedition is possible, through UPS International with insurance, and will involve slightly higher costs, including a proffessional boxing and protection plan.

Description
The TD125 has taken a giant step in banishing rumble, with solid state circuitry replacing the conventional mechanical methods used for electronic speed control.
This reduces the number of moving parts and total mass so frequently a rumble producing factor.
Motor rotor velocity, another rumble originator, is precisely governed by a dependable Wein Bridge transistorized oscillator.
It's frequency is varied exactly (by a gold plated switch) to change the speed of the motor and these adjustments may be viewed instantly on the built-in stroboscope.
Motor rotor speed on the TD-125 has been reduced to an incomparable 250rpm at 33 1/3rpm turntable speed.
By combining this factor with solid-state circuitry and the Wein Bridge oscillator, Thorens has reduced rumble to an infinitesimal and inaudible -48db (-68db weighted); less rumble than any other turntable on the market!
The tonearm and turntable platter of the TD-125 are mounted on an independent chassis.
This unit is then shock mounted to another chassis which houses the drive system and controls.
As a consequence the tonearm is protected against shocks when the controls are operated and acoustic feedback is minimised because of the absence of vibrations.
Vibrations are further decreased by the precision polished, self-lubricating bearings of the turntable platter.

Thorens TD 125 Technical Specifications
Drive method: Belt driven
Speeds: 16, 33, 45 rpm
Motor: 16-pole synchronous motor
Platter: 7 ibs, 12" diameter, anti-magnetic die-cast
Rumble: -68dB

SME 3009 II Specifications:
Classic 9" J shaped arm with knife-edge bearings. Adjustable overhang, vertical tracking force, anti-skate and arm height. The series I and II had removable headshells, Sensitivity and strength combine with versatility to ensure the continuing popularity of the 3009. Built throughout with instrument standards of quality, the SME 3009 has all parts precision machined, heat treated and ground where necessary.

Finished in satin chrome plate, gun black and polished stainless steel.

A unique weight system enables the arm to be balanced longitudinally and laterally. This important feature makes levelling unnecessary. Reproduction is unaffected even if the arm and turntable assembly are tipped through 30 degrees from horizontal, demonstrating the excellent groove contact maintained.

Shure V15 IV Specifications:
Type: Moving Magnet
Freq Response:10Hz - 25kHz
Tracking Force :0.75 - 1.25 g
Mass: 6.4 g
Channel Separation:25 dB
Channel Balance :2 dB
Load Impedance: 47k Ω
Output Impedance: 1380 Ω
Stylus: VN45HE
Stylus Tip: 5 x 38um HyperElliptical
Cantilever: Aluminium
200-300pF loading. Introduced: telescoped cantilever; dynamic vibration absorber on magnet rear; dynamic stabilizer brush. Alternate stylus VN45MR (Micro-ridge 1.5 x 3mils, 0.75-1.25gm VTF).