Thorens TD 124

The Swiss-made TD 124 used a hybrid belt-plus-idler drive, a heavy cast-iron platter with a clutched aluminium upper platter for quick starts, and fine speed adjustment via a magnetic brake. A Mk II arrived in 1965 before it was replaced by belt-drive designs.

Alongside the Garrard 301, the most revered idler-era transcription deck, now a serious collectable with a thriving restoration scene.

Who it suits

Best suited to: buyers comfortable assessing used condition and budgeting for servicing (drive mechanism, bearing, stylus). Less ideal for: a no-hassle purchase with a manufacturer warranty — buy a current model instead.

Good to know

• No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
• This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the idler wheel (a common wear/perishing point) and rumble through the speakers, plus the stylus regardless.

Specifications

Where to buy the Thorens TD 124

2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.

Compare it

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Vintage Thorens TD 125 Discontinued. belt drive · 16/33/45 rpm £550 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 320 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £350 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 160 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £300 typical used Vintage Thorens TD 150 Discontinued. belt drive · 33/45 rpm £220 typical used