Thorens TD 124 DD manual turntable

The Thorens TD124 DD is a worthy reissue of the iconic model released in 1957. It upholds Thorens' legacy in turntable craftsmanship spanning over half a century.

This turntable quickly gained popularity among audiophiles and broadcasting studios worldwide in the early 1960s.

Thorens TD 124 DD: Plinth and Chassis

The Thorens TD 124 DD features an upper aluminum chassis resting on four height-adjustable damping feet with rubber balls. The height-adjustable plinth ensures optimal vibration damping.

The chassis is made of highly dense medium-density fiberboard (MDF) coated with black lacquer. It sits on rubber absorbent feet designed to effectively dampen mechanical disturbances. The upper part houses the speed selector, tonearm, a lever for the tonearm, and an integrated bubble level. The lower chassis consists of a heavy and dense MDF block mounted on four damping feet, totaling over 17 kg to provide perfect protection against vibrations and resonances.

Thorens TD124 DD: Drive and Platter

The platter is made of die-cast aluminum, weighing 3.5 kg and measuring 22 mm thick. It includes a built-in 45 RPM adapter at its center. Direct drive is achieved through a powerful motor with high torque, a notable modification from the original model which used a cardan drive.

The non-magnetic platter is covered with a vintage-style rubber mat ensuring excellent inertia while absorbing vibrations and providing a solid coupling with the record.

The motor speed is electronically managed by an incremental encoder, automatically correcting deviations to minimize wow and flutter to very low values. Electronic speed control allows easy switching between 33 and 45 RPM via a selector on the left side of the turntable. Fine and precise adjustments can be made using a wheel and an integrated stroboscope.

The Thorens TD 124 DD is powered by a dedicated TPN 124 regulated external power supply, connecting to the turntable via a lockable 4-pin specific cable. It provides two different voltages: 24V for the motor and 5V for other functions.

This power supply minimizes electrical interference, ensuring clean current flow and stable operation, crucial for optimal performance of the turntable.

Thorens TD124 DD: Tonearm and Cartridge

The Thorens TD 124 DD features a specific tonearm, the Thorens TP124. This exclusive "J"-shaped arm measures 232.8 mm in length and includes ruby bearings. The high-quality cold-forged aluminum arm tube has an effective mass of 15 grams (without cartridge holder) and allows for height and azimuth adjustments. It uses a standard SME mount, facilitating easy cartridge changes with two counterweights to accommodate a wide range of cartridges. Anti-skating is managed by a ruby-bearing weight for enhanced precision.

The TP124 arm includes a patented electric lift, facilitating smooth placement and removal of the stylus into the groove.

It accommodates both MM and MC cartridges, particularly optimized for low-output MC cartridges with low compliance, such as those from the Ortofon SPU series.

The Thorens TD 124 also features XLR outputs in addition to traditional RCA outputs, enabling true balanced operation if your phono preamp supports it.

Note that this exquisite turntable comes delivered in a premium Thorens flight case.

Thorens TD124 DD: Testing and Listening

We paired the Thorens TD 124 DD with an Ortofon SPU Classic G E MkII MC cartridge. From the outset, this new version of the TD 124 DD holds its own against its predecessor!

While it may seem slightly less "soft" and nuanced, it excels in other parameters, if not surpassing them. The TD 124 DD provides enhanced transparency, more precise instrument placement, and a wider, more expansive soundstage behind the speakers.

During livelier passages, it reproduces music with increased conviction and dynamism, showcasing impressive impact and stability.

This modern iteration of the TD 124 DD offers a more realistic and neutral sound reproduction.

The improvements are evident, and the quality of the tonearm contributes significantly to these unquestionable results.

The Thorens TD 124 DD is a total success! Gunter Kürten and RND Thorens have made the best possible choices to revitalize a legendary product.

If you've always dreamt of owning a TD 124, the "DD" version is undoubtedly for you today!

Our personal favorite.