Thorens TD-125 MkII Turntable / SME 3009 Series II Tonearm

Thorens TD-125 Mk II Turntable

The introduction of the new solid state control circuitry on the Thorens TD 125 Mk II Transcription Turntable has resulted in the complete elimination of the complex mechanical linkage associated with more conventional methods of speed control.
The die-cast chassis carrying the turntable and tone arm is resiliently suspended from the main chassis on which is mounted the motor and electronic solid state control circuitry. This method of assembly results in complete isolation from motor vibrations and external shocks through the efficient filtering provided by the great inertia of the 7 kilogram suspended chassis.
The acceleration clutch is a unique Thorens feature. It prevents the belt from stretching, thus eliminating the chassis vibration during the starting period, and also reduces the starting time.
This new design results in the extremely low rumble figure of -68 dB as measured in accordance with DIN 45539 weighted standard. The synchronous drive motor is controlled by a Wien-Bridge two phase oscillator incorporating two operational amplifiers (ICs) and two push-pull power stages. The frequency of this oscillator may be altered in pre-determined steps thus varying the speed.
A variable potentiometer permits a fine frequency adjustment and alters the selected record speed about its means by ±2 % with the resultant speed variation viewable via the built-in illuminated stroboscope.

SME 3009 Series II Tonearm

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.

Drive System: Electronically controlled 16 pole synchronous motor with belt drive
Speed Control Circuit: Solid state two phase Wien-bridge oscillator with two operational amplifiers (ICs) and two push-pull power stages. Frequency alteration for electronic speed selection.
Speeds: 16.66; 33.33; 45 RPM
Fine Speed Adjustment: ± 2%
Speed Control: Illuminated Stroboscope
Turntable Platter: Non-magnetic zinc based alloy, 30 cm diameter and 3.2 kg weight
Wow And Flutter: 0.06 %, (according to DIN 45507 weighted)
Rumble: Unweighted: - 48 dB; Weighted: - 68 dB (according to DIN 45539)
Power Requirements: 220/250 V; 50/60 Hz; 15 Watts
Dimensions: 440 (W) x 340 (D) x 120 (H) mm
Weight: 14.5 kg

Turnaround

Orders will usually dispatched within 2 working days of receiving cleared payment.

Shipping Rates

We calculate your shipping rate based on the total weight of your items and your delivery address. Standard shipping to the UK Mainland (excludes Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) is free, except where specifically indicated. Don't worry, you'll always see the final shipping charge displayed before you reach the payment step (on the checkout page).

Carriers

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service.  Non-Mainland locations – Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as UPS and occasionally by a Pallet service.

Order Tracking

If a tracking # is provided by the carrier, we will update your order with the tracking information. Please note that some orders will not have tracking numbers.