Thorens TD 124 DD - Reimagined Classic
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Thorens has taken a different approach to reviving their 1950’s audiophile classic as compared to Garrard with the 301.
The new EISA award-winning TD 124 DD was designed from the original blueprints, retaining the iconic appearance, but now sporting a sophisticated direct drive system instead of the original idler and belt drive hybrid setup.
The new 12 pole motor provides powerful torque without motor noise and vibration thanks to a sophisticated “Delrin” main bearing and specially developed motor firmware that ensures smooth rotation, with impressive wow and flutter specifications of below 0.04%.
An external power supply is provided for interference-free operation.
The new turntable is provided with a classy black painted wood plinth, on which the fully adjustable die-cast aluminum chassis is mounted with vibration damping elements.
A built-in spirit level and four height adjustments ensure that the record surface is completely level for optimum playback.
The heavy aluminum platter too is precisely machined for perfect balance.
A new tone-arm was developed especially for the TD 124 DD. This EMT-inspired design is fully adjustable to match any cartridge.
A clever hybrid counter-weighted and spring-loaded system makes tracking force adjustments easy – the counter-weight is adjusted only to balance the tone-arm, after which a control on the arm can be used to set the desired tracking force.
Easy adjustments for azimuth and VTA are also designed into the system.
Every aspect of the TD 124 DD, such as the chassis leveling controls, easily adjustable tone-arm, and illuminated speed adjustment strobe has been carefully designed to allow for a perfect setting of each parameter of vinyl playback with unprecedented ease.
An electronic braking system and a patented electronic arm-lift for smooth needle drops also ensure a refined user experience. Balanced XLR outputs are also provided for uncompromised signal transmission.
This reimagined classic is truly a marvel of modern German engineering, and this reflects in its sublime sonic performance.
Stereophile's Ken Micallef, an ardent user of the original TD 124, tested the new turntable earlier this year with the Thorens recommended SPU 124 cartridge and has raved about its deep lush tone, rhythmic punch, low noise floor, natural sustain, and clean spacious vocals.
Clearly then, the new TD 124 DD is a worthy 21st-century take on the much-revered Rolls Royce of turntables.
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