Passt der Thorens SPU 124 an jeden Plattenspieler?

Nein. Der SPU 124 ist für Tonarme mit SME-Bajonett und ausreichender effektiver Masse konzipiert – ideal für den Thorens TD 124 DD mit Tonarm TP 124. An sehr leichten Tonarmen oder ohne SME-Anschluss ist er nicht die richtige Wahl. Im Zweifel klären wir die Kombination kurz mit dir ab.

Brauche ich für den SPU 124 einen speziellen Phono-Vorverstärker?

Ja, du brauchst einen MC-fähigen Phono-Vorverstärker. Mit 0,5 mV Ausgangsspannung liefert der SPU 124 mehr Pegel als klassische SPUs und kommt ohne teuren Übertrager aus. Eine Lastimpedanz von 10 bis 50 Ohm passt ihm am besten – die meisten guten MC-Eingänge decken das ab.

Für welchen Plattenspieler ist der Thorens SPU 124 gedacht?

Vor allem für den Thorens TD 124 DD. Thorens hat den SPU 124 gemeinsam mit Ortofon exakt auf dieses Laufwerk und den Tonarm TP 124 abgestimmt. An anderen Drehern mit passendem SME-Tonarm funktioniert er ebenfalls – seine volle Stärke spielt er aber im TD 124 DD aus.

Warum den Thorens SPU 124 bei HD Zürisee kaufen?

Weil analoge Wiedergabe von der richtigen Kombination lebt – und genau da hilft dir unsere langjährige Erfahrung. Wir sagen dir ehrlich, ob der SPU 124 zu deinem Tonarm und deiner Phonostufe passt, montieren und justieren ihn auf Wunsch bei uns in Wädenswil und bleiben auch nach dem Kauf dein Ansprechpartner.

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Thorens SPU 124 – MC Cartridge in SPU Design

CHF 1'990.00

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The Thorens SPU 124 is a high-end MC cartridge in the classic SPU design, developed by Thorens together with Ortofon specifically for the TD 124 DD turntable and the TP 124 tonearm.

The SPU design with integrated headshell and SME bayonet has been considered one of the most musical moving-coil constructions ever since the 1950s – warm, full-bodied, with that typically vivid sense of space. Thorens rebuilt the concept with modern materials and sharpened it precisely where the old SPUs reached their limits.

Why the SPU 124?

Because it keeps the charm of a genuine SPU without leaving you alone with its historical quirks. The reworked generator delivers 0.5 mV output voltage – significantly more than classic SPUs – and therefore gets along with virtually any common MC phono input, without needing a high-gain step-up transformer. At the same time, the mass at the stylus tip has been reduced: lower tracking force, better tracing. In short – the classic, made fit for everyday use.

What you hear

A full, organic sound with rich, natural mids and a vocal timbre that you know and love from good SPUs. The bare elliptical stylus resolves finely without ever sounding analytical or nervous. Jazz, classical and vocals get exactly the warmth and body this design is famous for – music you feel rather than dissect.

Who is the SPU 124 for?

For anyone who owns a TD 124 DD and really wants to push it to the limit – here the SPU 124 is the manufacturer-matched ideal cast. Straight talk: the SPU 124 wants a suitable, medium-to-heavy mass tonearm with an SME bayonet and an MC-capable phono input. Anyone with only a very light tonearm or exclusively an MM input is better served by a different cartridge. And anyone chasing the last clinically dissected sliver of treble should know: on principle, the SPU would rather play musically than spectacularly.

Our verdict

The SPU 124 is the most obvious and at the same time most fitting complement to the TD 124 DD: an SPU with character, whose rough edges Thorens has smoothed just enough that it brings joy in everyday use instead of work. If you love your classic, there's hardly a way around it.

Technical specifications

Type: MC (moving coil) cartridge in SPU design, developed with Ortofon
Mount: integrated headshell with SME bayonet
Output voltage: 0.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
Stylus profile: bare elliptical, radius r/R 8/18 µm
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz (± 2 dB)
Channel separation: > 23 dB (1 kHz) / > 15 dB (15 kHz)
Channel balance: < 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
Stylus compliance: 8 µm/mN (dynamic, lateral)
Recommended tracking force: 3.0 g (range 2.5 – 3.5 g)
Internal resistance: 2 ohms
Recommended load impedance: 10 – 50 ohms
Weight: 30 g
Matched to: Thorens TD 124 DD / TP 124 tonearm
Included: SPU 124 cartridge with integrated headshell (SPU body)

Frequently asked questions

Does the Thorens SPU 124 fit any turntable?
No. The SPU 124 is designed for tonearms with an SME bayonet and sufficient effective mass – ideal for the Thorens TD 124 DD with the TP 124 tonearm. On very light tonearms or without an SME connector, it's not the right choice. If in doubt, we'll quickly clarify the combination with you.

Do I need a special phono preamp for the SPU 124?
Yes, you need an MC-capable phono preamp. With 0.5 mV output voltage, the SPU 124 delivers more level than classic SPUs and doesn't require an expensive step-up transformer. A load impedance of 10 to 50 ohms suits it best – most good MC inputs cover that.

Which turntable is the Thorens SPU 124 intended for?
Primarily the Thorens TD 124 DD. Thorens tuned the SPU 124 together with Ortofon precisely to this turntable and the TP 124 tonearm. It also works on other decks with a suitable SME tonearm – but it plays out its full strength in the TD 124 DD.

Why buy the Thorens SPU 124 at HD Zürisee?
Because analog playback lives and dies by the right combination – and that's exactly where our years of experience help you. We tell you honestly whether the SPU 124 fits your tonearm and your phono stage, mount and adjust it for you at our place in Wädenswil on request, and remain your point of contact even after the purchase.

Pairs well with

You'll find the right amplification under phono preamps. The ideal turntable to go with it is among the Thorens models and other turntables. More cartridges are in the cartridges category.