[chadbang]

I was considering a VPI JR, but at the moment it's out of my range (and locale). But someone has offered me an alternative a Thorens TD-125 MK II which is cosmetically an 8/10 (very good condition) and excellent mechanically. They seller is the original owner and he is selling it with the Thorens tonearm and a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S cartridge for $350. Does that sound like a good deal to you, Tuberoller, Lord of Vinyl? Thanks for your help.

 

[DeeJayBump]

I'm not Tuberoller, but let me offer my two cents.

Thorens have a good reputation, and the Aurum Beta S runs $450 new, so I'm betting Tubey might say this is a fairly good combo deal.

 

[chadbang]

Sorry! Anyone is free to give their suggestion! And thanks for yours, DeeJayBump.

One other thing. It comes with a Thorens tonearm, which I heard isn't the best. What would be a good tonearm for the a 125 MKII and a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S (which I understand tracks heavy at 2 grams).

 

[Gergor]

Quote:

Originally posted by chadbang Sorry! Anyone is free to give their suggestion! And thanks for yours, DeeJayBump. One other thing. It comes with a Thorens tonearm, which I heard isn't the best. What would be a good tonearm for the a 125 MKII and a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S (which I understand tracks heavy at 2 grams).

I haven't used a TT for 15 years. I'm not familiar with this cartridge. But back in the old days, Thorens + SME tonearm (possibly 3009R?) was like a classic entry level TT setup.

 

[zowie]

Those arms from the old days, while often good or excellent, generally don't mate well with the cartridges of the new days. I don't remember if the problem relates to compliance or mass.

I'd say it's a decent although not exceptional deal if you're satisfied with the Thorens arm, but not if you're going to be spending another $250+ on a different arm.

 

[Gergor]

Quote:

Originally posted by zowie Those arms from the old days, while often good or excellent, generally don't mate well with the cartridges of the new days.

I haven't paid attention to the development of tonearm/cartridge technology, what have changed over the past decade?

 

[Tuberoller]

Snatch that one right up. Even if you absolutely hate it(you won't) you'll make money off that deal should you decide to sell.You can upgrade the arm after it's in your hands.

 

[chadbang]

Thanks Tuberoller! I think I will. This guy seems really decent and so he's worried the table will get screwed up in shipping (something you don't hear most ebay sellers even mention) that he's willing to drive 2 hours to my home to drop it off. I think that's pretty decent of him and makes me think he really cares about the table - which is good thing in my book! Thanks for your imput. You are the man.