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Any one old enough to remember?

30 or so years ago when I was a grad student I bought a Thorens TD125MK-II turntable and mounted a "Formula 4" arm and a Sonus Blue cartridge on it. After storing it a number of years, I've set it up again and rediscovered my record collection - some horrors and some delights. Since I've recently upgraded my... well, I admit it, everything else... I'm now faced with a decision. Do I replace my elderly cartridge? the cartridge and arm? the whole thing?

Anyone been around long enough to remember anything about this arm and cartridge to know wheher it is worth keeping the arm and replacing the cartridge, or to advise me on how well my old Thorens (which still maintains its speed after a belt transplant) is likely to stack up against newer stuff? I've read a number of the other analog threads, but not seen this particular issue addressed.

Your collective wisdom would be most appreciated. Let's say for the sake of conversation that my budget for a completely new setup could be $1500-2000.

Skip
lfb44
jvia
195 posts
 
I understand you on the LPs, I don't have a bride but I did just get offered 1000+ lps that have been played exactly once to record on to reel tape, all I have to do is go pick them up a few miles away. I have also been offered the tapes as well, but the LP part of it has got a huge grip on me. About 50% of it not my kind of music,, but a once played 40 year collection of LP's is quite a collection, so I am weighing my tt options as well.
I think though in your case oe this case, if it were me I would just try a couple of different cartridges. 125 MK II was
just a good table, and that wasn't a bad arm. I'd be looking at a couple of the Grado's and going from there
elgordo
530 posts
 
Skip - You say we all become Presbyterians after we hit 50?
But seriously, the Sonus Blue was my favorite cartridge until I discovered moving coils in the late '7os. Also owned a TD125 for many years. Great table. Had a Grace 707 on mine. Don
lfb44 OP
28 posts
 
My thanks to all of you for the suggestions. With so many threads comparing the latest and greatest tables and arms, it is nice to know that some of the older combos are still (if nothing else) remembered with affection. Thorens has apparently gone out of the business of making turntables. If I can find information about lubricating and maintaining mine, I'll probably do that - ditto if I can figure out how to mount and adjust an appropriate cartridge on the Formula 4 arm. If not, I'll probably take the path of least resistance (time-wise) and indulge myself by starting from scratch. Listening last evening I realized that some of what I'm hearing during loud passages is mistracking.

Skip
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,706 posts
 
Skip: Not familar with the arm (though think that it may have VTA adjustment "on the fly"). If so, I would try it with a new cartridge. I just picked up a TD125 MkII/SME 3009II combo that sounds very nice and if I ever upgrade I will seek out an arm that has such an adjustable VTA feature (play a wide variety of LP's which vary in thickness). Don't know why it would mistrack unless the stylus, setup or bearings are off. Maybe what it is resting on as well (I use a good platform - Neuance shelf supported by adjustable upturned spikes, but have plaster floors which are pretty solid)? If I do keep the 3009II arm I will rewire it with something better.
trich727
67 posts
 
Hey Skip,
I know someone mentioned the dampening possibly being bad. I would say no question, it's bad. I am an audiophile as well as a record collector, and stiff boots will KILL vinyl!The pressure at the tip of that diamond combined with the vibration being fed back into it is ruining your albums. Don't even think about it, get a new cartridge. I do stress new. trich727
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