Thorens
Have a trade-in item? Click here.
Specs
| Drive method | Direct drive |
| Motor | Electronically controlled direct-drive motor |
| Speeds | 33-1/3 and 45 RPM |
| Tonearm | SME-type interface with removable SME-type headshell |
| Included cartridge | None; headshell prepared for a wide range including Ortofon SPU |
| Output | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA |
| Chassis | Heavy resonance-controlled plinth |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Thorens dealer by All Elite Audio. New Thorens TD 124 DD units include the full Thorens manufacturer warranty of 2 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.
What's in the Box
- Thorens TD 124 DD direct-drive turntable
- Platter
- SME-type headshell
- Power supply
- User manual
- Dust protection
Overview
The Thorens TD 124 DD is a modern direct-drive reinterpretation of the legendary TD 124 first introduced in 1957. Where the original relied on an idler and belt hybrid drive, this contemporary edition uses a precision electronically controlled direct-drive motor for stable, quiet rotation and fast, confident speed. It carries the visual language and industrial confidence of the classic while bringing its engineering firmly into the present.
An SME-type headshell arm is prepared for a wide range of cartridges, including heritage designs such as the Ortofon SPU, giving the owner freedom to voice the deck to taste. Both true balanced XLR outputs and standard RCA outputs are provided, allowing a low-noise signal path into a fully balanced phono stage or a conventional single-ended one. This flexibility makes the TD 124 DD equally at home in a modern high-resolution system or a vintage-inspired listening room.
It is aimed at the serious listener and collector who wants the tactile presence and heritage character of the TD 124 lineage without the maintenance concerns of a vintage unit. Ships without a cartridge so you can complete the deck with the pickup that best fits your music and phono stage.
Key Features
- Modern direct-drive reinterpretation of the legendary 1957 Thorens TD 124
- Electronically controlled direct-drive motor for stable, quiet speed
- True balanced XLR outputs alongside standard RCA outputs
- SME-type headshell prepared for a wide range of cartridges, including Ortofon SPU
- Ships without a cartridge so you can tailor the pickup to your system
- Heavy, resonance-controlled plinth in the spirit of the original TD 124
- Substantial platter for high rotational stability and low flutter
- Heritage industrial design updated with contemporary engineering
How the TD 124 DD Compares
Thorens TD 124 DD vs Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive
The Exclusive sits higher in the TD 124 DD range and offers a more elaborate finish and presentation for those who want the flagship expression of this heritage platform. The standard TD 124 DD delivers the same core direct-drive engineering and balanced plus RCA outputs in a more accessible package. Choose the Exclusive if you want the top-tier version of the lineage. See the Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive.
Thorens TD 124 DD vs Thorens TD 404 DD
The TD 404 DD is a lighter, more compact direct-drive design built for straightforward setup and everyday enjoyment, and it typically ships ready to play. The TD 124 DD is a heavier, heritage-inspired statement deck with balanced XLR output and an SME-type interface for cartridge freedom. Step up to the TD 124 DD when you want the classic presence and system flexibility. See the Thorens TD 404 DD.
Thorens TD 124 DD vs Luxman PD-191A
The Luxman PD-191A is a belt-drive turntable with a precise, refined character and a modern aesthetic aimed at neutral, controlled reproduction. The Thorens TD 124 DD takes a direct-drive path with strong vintage lineage and the tactile authority of its 1957 ancestor. Both are reference-level decks; the choice comes down to drive philosophy and design character. See the Luxman PD-191A.
Thorens TD 124 DD vs Yamaha GT-5000
The Yamaha GT-5000 is a massive belt-drive design with a short straight tonearm and balanced output, tuned for dynamic, grounded playback. The Thorens TD 124 DD reaches the same balanced connectivity through a direct-drive heritage platform with SME-type cartridge flexibility. Pick the one whose drive method and ergonomics fit your listening style. See the Yamaha GT-5000.
Recommended Cartridge, Phono Stage and Amplifier
Because the TD 124 DD ships without a cartridge, here is a complete path to finish a reference vinyl system, from pickup to phono stage to amplifier.
- Ortofon MC Cadenza Black A refined, detailed moving coil that suits the heritage character and resolution of the TD 124 DD, mounting cleanly on the SME-type headshell.
- Ortofon MC A Mono For collectors playing mono pressings on this classic-inspired deck, a dedicated mono cartridge unlocks quieter, more focused reproduction of vintage records.
- TEAC PE-505 Balanced Phono A fully balanced phono amplifier that takes direct advantage of the true balanced XLR output on the TD 124 DD for a low-noise, high-resolution signal path.
- Parasound JC3+ Phono A highly regarded phono stage with quiet, expansive presentation that flatters moving coil cartridges and pairs naturally with this deck.
- Accuphase E-3000 Integrated A powerful, refined integrated amplifier to anchor the system, providing the transparency and control that a reference deck of this caliber deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Thorens TD 124 DD include a cartridge?
No. It ships without a cartridge so you can select the pickup that best fits your music and phono stage. The SME-type headshell is prepared for a wide range of cartridges.
Is the TD 124 DD belt drive or direct drive?
It is a direct-drive turntable, using an electronically controlled motor for stable, quiet rotation.
Is this a reissue of the original TD 124?
It is a modern direct-drive reinterpretation of the legendary TD 124 first introduced in 1957, carrying its design spirit forward with contemporary engineering.
Does it have balanced XLR outputs?
Yes. The TD 124 DD provides true balanced XLR outputs alongside standard unbalanced RCA outputs.
Can I use an Ortofon SPU cartridge?
Yes. The SME-type headshell is prepared for a wide range of cartridges, including the Ortofon SPU.
What speeds does it play?
It plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records.
What type of headshell does it use?
It uses a removable SME-type headshell, which makes swapping and aligning cartridges straightforward.
Do I need a balanced phono stage to use it?
No, but the balanced XLR output lets you take advantage of a fully balanced phono stage such as the TEAC PE-505 for a low-noise signal path. RCA output works with conventional phono stages.
What cartridge do you recommend for this deck?
For a refined stereo pickup, the Ortofon MC Cadenza Black is an excellent match. For vintage mono pressings, the Ortofon MC A Mono is a strong choice.
Which phono stage pairs best?
The TEAC PE-505 exploits the balanced output, while the Parasound JC3+ offers quiet, expansive performance for moving coil cartridges.
What amplifier should I pair it with?
An integrated amplifier such as the Accuphase E-3000 provides the transparency and power to complete a reference-level system.
How does it compare to the TD 124 DD Exclusive?
The Exclusive sits higher in the range with a more elaborate finish and presentation, while the standard TD 124 DD delivers the same core direct-drive engineering and connectivity in a more accessible form.
How does it compare to the TD 404 DD?
The TD 404 DD is a lighter, more compact direct-drive deck for easy setup and everyday listening, while the TD 124 DD is a heavier heritage statement with balanced output and an SME-type interface.
Is the TD 124 DD suitable for mono record collections?
Yes. With a dedicated mono cartridge like the Ortofon MC A Mono, it is well suited to playing vintage mono pressings.
Does it come with a dust cover?
Dust protection is included; please confirm current packaging details with us at the time of order.
Can I upgrade the cartridge later?
Absolutely. The SME-type headshell makes it easy to change cartridges as your system and preferences evolve.
What is the warranty?
The TD 124 DD is covered by a two year parts and labor warranty from Thorens for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.
Is All Elite Audio an authorized Thorens dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Thorens dealer, so your purchase is covered by the full manufacturer warranty.
Who is the TD 124 DD best for?
It is ideal for serious listeners and collectors who want the tactile presence and heritage character of the TD 124 lineage with modern direct-drive engineering and cartridge flexibility.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
As an authorized Thorens dealer in MD, we provide genuine products with full manufacturer warranty, expert setup guidance, and knowledgeable support to help you build a complete vinyl system.
