Def Leper Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I picked up a TD125 MK-II that is in good working condition but in need of a good cleanup and upgrade. It has the stock Thorens arm with a satanic AT-666 cartridge. I plan to build a new base cabinet and would like to upgrade the arm and cartridge. Any suggestions on what to look for? I'm playing mostly stereo LP's and would like to keep the cost of the arm and cart under $1K. I like the Empire-style cabinets and plan to build one of that type, but a bit oversize and integrated onto a granite surface plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_tonearms.htm I think alot of people use the SME 3009 and SME 3012 arms (Allan uses this one). He is also using an Ortofon SPU cartridge I believe. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott0527 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Here is a good combination for less than $1000. Find an SME 3009 Series II (not the improved version). Should be able to find one of these for $300 or $400 if it's in really good shape. Then get a Goldring 1042 cartridge which are about $300 to $350. This is a fantastic combination. I have this same set up for use in my living room with Klipschorns. The Khorns are pretty unforgiving so if this wasn't a good combination, I would know it. The SPU mentioned above is used more commonly on the TD124. I don't think it mates well with a suspended table? It's above your price range anyway just for the cartridge alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 The SPU works just fine with a suspended table, by the way. I would second the SME 3009 "NON-improved"--look for a "Series 2" or an "R" model. http://cgi.ebay.com/SME-3009-TONEARM_W0QQitemZ9716723058QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem And I would HIGHLY reccomend the Denon 103 which can be had for about $160. http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-Denon-DL-103-MC-cartridge-BRAND-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ9714274781QQcategoryZ64620QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem IF you don't have a MC phono stage, there are plenty of good deals to be had on step-ups! http://cgi.ebay.com/Denon-AU-320-Step-up-Transformer-for-any-DL-103-DL30X_W0QQitemZ9716216801QQcategoryZ48648QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem If you shop around you can get this set-up for well under $1000 and you'll be smiling ear to ear . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Man, that cartridge looks sweet. Is that the original? I may have to send my BBX off to Mark and get the Cream option, and then pick up one of these. Not sure how it would mate with my Dual CS-5000 with the stock arm, but it will probably mate with my next table/arm for sure. Mike Edit: CS-500 specs Motor: Dual Voltage, Quartz Belt Drive, DUALEDS 5000 system, Microprocessor Controlled. Platter:Non-Magnetic, Removable, 304mm Wow & Flutter: DIN: +/- 0.025% WRMS: +/- 0.015% Rumble: Unweighted: 56dBWeighted: 80dB Tonearm: Aluminum Tubular, Kardan, OPS 221mmAcceptable Cartridge Weights: Between 3-10 grams, 1/2" Mount Tracking Force: 0-3 grams Frequency Response: 10hz-28MhzOverhang: 18mm It appears the Denon weighs 8.5 grams, so that will work, but I don't know about the 1/2" mount. I'm also not sure at what the DL-103 likes to track at, as the Dual can only handle 0-3 grams, which I would think to be plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott0527 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 The SPU works just fine with a suspended table, by the way. I would second the SME 3009 "NON-improved"--look for a "Series 2" or an "R" model. http://cgi.ebay.com/SME-3009-TONEARM_W0QQitemZ9716723058QQcategoryZ3283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem I was wondering about that. I've never seen an SPU on anything but the old solid idler wheel tables. I was beginning to think they didn't like springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I would imagine there are significant sonic differences in step-up transformers. Poking around eBay, there are some in cases (like the Denon), and some that are simply in-line "adapters" (looking like the 75-300 ohm antenna guys). I'm using a Blueberry Xtreme, so perhaps the Cream option would be a better choice for me? I've been using an Ortofon HOMC (the X5-MC). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I have always used step-up devices and have never owned a preamp with MC gain built it--I also use the transformers to properly load the SPU--they dont really like 47K--more like 100 ohm. Anyway, how much does the "Cream" upgrade cost? Does it allow for "loading" options? The Denon and Ortofon stepups from the 80's are great and can be had all day long in the $200-$300 range, so if the "Cream" option is similarly priced and you prefer one set of interconnects, etc. then why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 The cream option is $495. http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/web_pages/xtreme2.html down at the bottom... doesn't go into detail but I'm certain the parts used are of the highest quality. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Looks good. Do you know what transformers Mark is using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Mark said he is using Jensen transformers designed by some audiophile in Japan (can't remember the guys name). Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Well... I just ordered one of the DL-103 cartridges. When I can afford it, I'll send my BBX off to Mark and get the Cream option installed. It might be awhile though (no bonus until October). Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lwhaples Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Def Leper, I have a SME 3009 tonearm that I bought awhile ago to use on a TD160Thorens. But then bought a TD160B MKII from Charlie Boy that came with the RB250 Rega. So, if you are intrested in the SME I may sell it. Mark has my Blueberry and I will be looking for a MC cartridge soon. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Hi Larry, Why not snag one of the DL-103 cartridges from the link above that Allan posted? I believe there are still 4 left (6 have been sold). Doubt you will find a lomc for anywhere near that price. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lwhaples Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Hi Larry, Why not snag one of the DL-103 cartridges from the link above that Allan posted? I believe there are still 4 left (6 have been sold). Doubt you will find a lomc for anywhere near that price. Mike Mike, I did look at it,but am not sure if it's what I want. Not that I need to spend a ton of money.But I was thinking I had to spend a bunch more for a starter MC cartridge.[:^)] Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Hi Larry, Why not snag one of the DL-103 cartridges from the link above that Allan posted? I believe there are still 4 left (6 have been sold). Doubt you will find a lomc for anywhere near that price. Mike Mike, I did look at it,but am not sure if it's what I want. Not that I need to spend a ton of money.But I was thinking I had to spend a bunch more for a starter MC cartridge.[:^)] Larry Nope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I have heard nothing but great things about this cartridge, and believe Max is using one with his $10K table. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Here is a good combination for less than $1000. Find an SME 3009 Series II (not the improved version). Should be able to find one of these for $300 or $400 if it's in really good shape. Then get a Goldring 1042 cartridge which are about $300 to $350. This is a fantastic combination. I have this same set up for use in my living room with Klipschorns. The Khorns are pretty unforgiving so if this wasn't a good combination, I would know it. The SPU mentioned above is used more commonly on the TD124. I don't think it mates well with a suspended table? It's above your price range anyway just for the cartridge alone. It looks as though you broke down and got one of the DL-103's as well. [] Since you already have this table/arm I would really like to hear your thoughts on this combo. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott0527 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Here is a good combination for less than $1000. Find an SME 3009 Series II (not the improved version). Should be able to find one of these for $300 or $400 if it's in really good shape. Then get a Goldring 1042 cartridge which are about $300 to $350. This is a fantastic combination. I have this same set up for use in my living room with Klipschorns. The Khorns are pretty unforgiving so if this wasn't a good combination, I would know it. The SPU mentioned above is used more commonly on the TD124. I don't think it mates well with a suspended table? It's above your price range anyway just for the cartridge alone. It looks as though you broke down and got one of the DL-103's as well. [] Since you already have this table/arm I would really like to hear your thoughts on this combo. Mike At I've been meaning to try one for a couple months now. I've got Cream on my Blueberry and have yet to use it so this will be the perfect chance. I'll post some thought after a few weeks with the Denon. I still think the Goldring 1042 is one of the best value MM cartridges for the SME 3009. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 At I've been meaning to try one for a couple months now. I've got Cream on my Blueberry and have yet to use it so this will be the perfect chance. I'll post some thought after a few weeks with the Denon. I still think the Goldring 1042 is one of the best value MM cartridges for the SME 3009. Cool! I've got a BBX as well, and will be sending it out to Mark to get the Cream when I can afford it. So do you have the TD-125 MK II table also? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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