description Thorens TD-124 Overview
The Thorens TD-124 is a record player manufactured by the Swiss company Thorens, introduced to the consumer market in 1957. It employs an idler-wheel drive mechanism to rotate the platter, rather than the later belt-drive or direct-drive designs that became more common. The turntable features a heavy, multi-layered platter and a sophisticated stepped pulley system designed to minimize wow and flutter. It is frequently sought by vinyl playback enthusiasts for its robust mechanical construction and torque characteristics.
insights Ranking position
Thorens TD-124 ranks #4 of 467 in the Playa ranking, behind Technics SL-1000R, ahead of Garrard 301.
help Thorens TD-124 FAQ
What type of drive mechanism does the Thorens TD-124 turntable use?
The record player employs an idler-wheel drive mechanism to rotate the heavy metal platter, rather than the belt-drive or direct-drive designs that became more common in later decades. This design utilizes a rubber wheel to transfer motor rotation directly to the platter.
When was the Thorens TD-124 introduced to the market?
The turntable was introduced to the consumer market in 1957 by the Swiss company Thorens. It was manufactured in Liestal, Switzerland, during the golden age of high-fidelity audio equipment.
Does the Thorens TD-124 come with a tonearm included?
No, the turntable was traditionally sold as a chassis or drive unit only, without a factory-installed tonearm. This required audiophiles and dealers to mount their own separately purchased tonearm onto a custom plinth.
Why is the Thorens TD-124 still highly regarded by audiophiles?
Vinyl enthusiasts prize it for its robust build quality and heavy platter, which provides excellent speed stability and powerful torque. When properly restored with modern lubricants, its unique idler-wheel design produces a distinctly dynamic and lively analog sound.
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