Even in the 60's and 70's Thorens were using quality metal platters. The TD125's had balanced metal platters and subplatters which were made from cast zinc alloy + aluminum and the actual top chassis plates were made from super heavy thick cast aluminum. The TD124 idler platters (depending on the era) were made from Zinc alloy, aluminum or cast iron.
http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/td124page.html
http://www.theanalogdept.com/td125_dept.htm
At some point during the 70's Thorens started to get el cheapo with their tables and internal parts starting with the TD160 MkII, MkIII, TD165, 166, TD126's,MkI, ect..... which lead to their ultimate demise. imo
Very very few (if any) VPI's will ever stand the test of time like the famous Thorens TD125, TD124 and LP12. imho
http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/td124page.html
http://www.theanalogdept.com/td125_dept.htm
At some point during the 70's Thorens started to get el cheapo with their tables and internal parts starting with the TD160 MkII, MkIII, TD165, 166, TD126's,MkI, ect..... which lead to their ultimate demise. imo
Very very few (if any) VPI's will ever stand the test of time like the famous Thorens TD125, TD124 and LP12. imho