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Legendary thorens TD 124 mk2, furnished with the SME M2 12R,12 inch tonearm, fitted with a Shure M97xE mm cartridge. The turntable has a Woodsong thrust bearing, Audio Silenti precision ground idler wheel, with 3 spare std. Silicone rubber bands, and a Nanocamp drive belt. It also has a replacement spirit level bubble, and a LED strobe bulb. The motor suspension is on tapered coil springs. The platter is a non magnetic version from Schopper. All replaced parts, except the original platter, will be supplied. This turntable is mounted in a solid layered heavyweight plinth, with a perspex dust c... read more
This is a buyer’s market for classic Thorens, and the £2,850 asking price for this used Thorens TD124 MK 2 is ambitious, sitting well above the £2,665 75th percentile and the £2,492 median from three recent GBP comparable listings. It’s not a bargain by the numbers; it’s a sellers’ price for an excellent-condition unit, reflecting confidence in the condition rather than market mispricing.
The TD124 MK 2 remains a top-tier vintage turntable for its legendary build, precise motor control, and sonically rich, analog warmth that still competes with modern decks. Its upside lies in rarity, original-owner condition, and the fact that excellent examples are increasingly scarce. If this listing includes the original armboard, dust cover, and a well-maintained motor, it’s a legitimate buying opportunity for enthusiasts who value provenance and performance over chasing the lowest price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Thorens traces its origins to 1883 in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, where Hermann Thorens founded the company in the Jura mountains to craft music boxes and mechanical musical devices. Pioneering audio technology soon followed, with early cylinder phonographs, horn gramophones, and record players that established Thorens as an innovator predating the modern vinyl record. By the 1920s, breakthroughs like electric gramophone motors and magnetic pickups propelled international success, employing over 1,200 workers and embodying Swiss precision engineering. Ownership shifts, including a 2018 acquisition by Gunter Kürten, former Elac head, have revitalized the brand while honoring its 140-year heritage.
Thorens remains synonymous with high-quality turntables, its core focus since iconic idler-drive models like the TD-124 and TD-160 defined the golden age of analog playback. Vintage enthusiasts prize these for their robust plinths, precise motors, and timeless performance, while modern lines such as the 900 series introduce air-suspended sub-chassis for superior isolation. Brief forays into receivers, cassette decks, and speakers in the 1970s yielded to an unwavering commitment to vinyl reproduction, encompassing both LP and 78rpm formats.
Positioned as a high-end analog specialist, Thorens commands respect among discerning audiophiles and vintage collectors for its blend of historical pedigree and contemporary refinement. No longer strictly Swiss-manufactured but retaining that ethos, it occupies a niche boutique space—elevating turntables beyond entry-level to precision instruments that rival top competitors. Under Kürten's stewardship, Thorens thrives in the vinyl resurgence, delivering musical authenticity that serious hi-fi buyers demand.
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