Thorens TD124 MkII Turntable Motor Unit / SME 3009 Series II Tonearm

Here we have a classic turntable combination in the form of a Thorens TD124 MkII Motor Unit coupled with an SME Engineering Model 3009 Series II. They are both in very good condition for their age and would certainly make an amazing package when partnered with a new plinth, speaking of which, there are a number of companies that specialise in new replacement plinths. They are supplied in the original Thorens packaging and come with our regular three month warranty. Please note that a Shure M75 EJ Type 2 Cartridge is fitted to the deck but because of its age it is not covered by the warranty.
Thorens Said….
Long established as a world leader in the manufacture of Turntables, Thorens S. A., epitomizes the concept of Swiss quality and precision craftsmanship. For years the Thorens Model TD 124 has been considered the classic design and standard for Turntables. Never before has any component had so fine a reputation.
With this Series II, there have been design and engineering changes in the unit which incorporate latest styling, even improved performance, while still maintaining the classic conception.
We have put all our ability into the design and the manufacture of this outstanding unit to fulfil your highest requirements ; the experience of more than a half century in the production of high-quality phonograph equipment, the enthusiasm of a young research team, the traditional pride of our SWISS craftsmen for precision and finely finished work, are still combined to produce the TD-124 MkII in this tradition.
Specifications:
Drive: Belt/friction wheel
Motor: 4-pole reluctance motor (AC)
Speeds: 16 2/3, 33 1/3, 45 & 78 rpm
Synchronous speed fluctuations: ±0.07 %
Rumble noise ratio: unweighted: 43 dB, weighted: 58 dB
Turntable: cast iron/aluminium, 300 mm, 4.5 kg or zinc injection cast/aluminium, 300 mm, 3.6 kg
Dimensions: 394 (W) x 324 (D) x 134 (H) mm (Without plinth)
Weight: 10.0 kg
SME Said….
The realism and clarity of a stereo record reflect the skill and technical perfection underlying its manufacture. Only when this is maintained in the reproducing equipment can justice be done to the art of the recording engineers. In playing a gramophone record the stylus must follow a path of extraordinary complexity and be highly compliant if the minute detail of the groove is to be traced without damage. Even the best cartridge cannot achieve this unless it is poised free from extraneous influences. The design of a carrying arm capable of realising the full potential of pick-up and record is highly specialised Involving many problems. These have been successfully resolved in the S.M.E., an instrument of unrivalled quality presented with confidence that the user will endorse the claim ‘The best pick-up arm In the world’.
Design Features:
Compensation is provided for the force which tries to move a pick-up arm towards the centre of a record.
The arm is given an opposing bias, adjustable for various tracking pressures, which balances the stylus centrally in the groove so that It does not favour one wall.
Precision ball races and knife-edge bearings reduce pivot friction to approximately 0.02 gram measured at the stylus. Cartridges can be used at optimum stylus pressure without the excess weight otherwise required to overcome friction in the pivots.
A carefully chosen offset minimises distortion due to tracking error.
The tubular tone arm has a wood lining and the balance system is decoupled by a compliant joint. Resonances are placed where they can have no effect on the recorded range.
The balance system permits accurate longitudinal and lateral balance of cartridges from 7-20 grammes weight and tracking pressures from 1/4 to 5 grammes applied precisely without the need for a stylus pressure gauge.
Versatile and quickly aligned for optimum tracking by sliding the base on Its graduated bed plate using the protractor included with each arm. Full advantage can be taken of the best present and future cartridges. Impracticable with arms of ‘integrated’ design.
Lever operated raising and lowering control gives automatic slow descent. Fascinating to use – safeguards valuable records.