Another Vintage Turntable Offering

Thorens TD-125 MKII w/ Upgraded SME 3009 Tonearm, Shure V-15 cartridge, and Original Box

Why spend more to buy a refurbished Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

Buying vintage electronic equipment on eBay can be a gamble. To better your chances at winning, you want two things: 1) Plenty of information about the auction item; and 2) A seller you can trust. When a Thorens turntable is refurbished by Vinyl Nirvana, it undergoes a multi-step inspection and tuning regimen. Ask another seller of a Thorens table on Ebay these questions and see if you can get a response...

Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?

Is the spindle straight? Was the spindle cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?

Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?

Is the belt new or in near mint condition?

Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)

Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)

Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?

Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?

Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate? Is anti-skate functioning? Is appropriate tonearm weight installed?

Is cueing adjusted properly?

Were electrical connections cleaned and inspected? Headshell leads? Tonearm recepticle? RCA plugs? (Dirty connections can contribute to hum problems.) Are all connections tight? ( I use Dexoit products, highly recommended.)

Are transport screws intact? Are they functioning properly?

Are dust cover spindles intact and not stripped?

Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?

What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?

Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)

Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 16, 33 and 45 rpm?

If appropriate, was headshell inspected? Is the "sled" intact? (The sled allows for proper adjustment of overhang.) Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle? Do the prongs interface properly with the tonearm? Is the attachment to the tonearm strong and true?

Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?

Is the proper 45 rpm adaptor installed? (If it’s not a Thorens, an lp won’t sit flat on the platter.)

Is the proper mat installed? (If not, you may have difficulty playing 45s.)

Is the base intact? Are the rubber feet intact?

If a Thorens table fails to pass any of the above inspections, Vinyl Nirvana corrects the problem before it gets listed. If the turntable is unsellable due to too many defects, it becomes a parts unit to be used in the restoration of other Thorens units. In addition to this multi-step inspection, each turntable is thoroughly detailed with appropriate cleaners. The average cleaning takes up to two hours. Though the tables Vinyl Nirvana sells will vary cosmetically, they will always be clean. Can you trust Vinyl Nirvana as a seller? Please read our ebay feedback (username ddarch44)regarding sales of turntables. Notice references to item exactly as described. Notice references to excellent packing. Notice references to our service and committment after the sale. And, just for fun, read about our two negative feedbacks...it takes all kinds.

This Week's Thorens TD-125 MKII

In honor of Vinyl Nirvana turning one year old this Labor Day, I am offering my finest 125 MKII/SME combo ever. This particular package, with its performance upgrades, is the nicest sounding table I've ever sold. PERIOD! On top of that, I am offering it this whole week at a sale price of $875. With all of its mods and extras, it is easily worth $995.

On to the turntable...cosmetically, this table is an 8.0 on a scale of 1-10. (I'm a very hard rater.) The teak veneer base is in outstanding shape. There are no notable imperfections. Likewise, the metal plinth is outstanding shape. No significant scratches or scuffs anywhere. Lettering is vibrant. The armboard has some light scuffs difficult to show in photos. On the back, there are two small "dings" in the area of the black. (See pic, below X.)

As outlined above, this unit passed a multi-step inspection and cleaning process. Anything that needed to be replaced, adjusted, or cleaned was accomplished. Note this TD- 125 MKii originally came with a stock arm which i replaced with an SME arm and original Thorens armboard. Therefore the cueing lever on the front panel is non-functioning. The original box (matching serial number) and most of the orginal packing is included. (Will be double-boxed for shipment.)

A rare acrylic mat (80 dollar value) and a new belt will be included. The mat performs with astonishing results on this deck.) I have also installed chrome black cones, replacing the cheap Thorens felt feet.

A photocopy of the owner's manual will be provided. Sorry, no dustcover is available.

The SME 3009 Tonearm

The SME 3009 Series II tonearm is a revered classic. Bearings are excellent. Cosmetics are very good with some very light pitting on the base plate. I have installed an SME RCA conversion kit to allow you to use any interconnect you desire. This is the first SME arm I have modified in this way, and the performance enhancement is amazing. I will likely use the conversion again. Besides the RCA upgrade, all original hardware is intact. All functions, including cueing work perfectly. It is fully adjustable. A photocopy of the manual will be provided.

Cartridge Choices

The asking price includes a Shure v-15 Series IV cartridge. The genuine Shure stylus has approximately 200 hours on it. (I have always used LAST stylus products and vacuumed records.) If desired, I have several other cartridge recommendations for the new owner based upon the rest of the components and listening tastes. If I mount and align a cartridge for you, set up for you will be incredibly easy.

The Details

In regards to shipping, this table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. I prefer Fedex Ground. Lastly, I am truly not in this for the money. What I love best is introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the "superiority" of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to "move up." In that regard, I do what few sellers do...if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don't need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.

Some recent comments from buyers....

"Outstanding & dedicated craftsman. Helpful hints. Personal attention."

"The best! A great communicator who goes above and beyond in the service dept."

"If you want an excellent reconditioned vintage turntable, Dave's the Man! Thanks"

"When eBay was invented, nobody dreamed there'd be a seller as great as Dave!!"

Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.