2. analog
  3. 1020625038

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
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,401 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
lfb44 OP
28 posts
 
Thanks.

Cartridge suggestions that should work with this arm?

Skip
trich727
67 posts
 
Hi Skip,
I'm really testing the brain cells on this one, but is this a chrome plated low mass tone arm with an anti-skate that hangs over a glide rail on mono-filament? or was that the Grace? Over the years the Grace, Black Widow and this one have morphed into one in my head. I would think a Sumiko Blue Point would be a good match, and fairly nice sound for a reasonably priced cartridge. Tom trich727@aol.com
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