Thorens SPU-124 140th Anniversary – MC Cartridge

The Thorens SPU-124 Anniversary is a moving-coil cartridge in the classic SPU design, made by Ortofon as a special edition with pure-silver coils and a bakelite body for the anniversary family of the TD 124 DD.

From the factory, this limited MC is only available as part of the TD 124 DD 140th Anniversary set — but you can also get it from us on its own, as an upgrade or replacement for your 124 DD. Pure silver instead of copper, bakelite instead of resin: it sounds like a detail, but it's exactly the stuff SPU legends are made of.

Why the SPU-124 Anniversary?

Because it refines the well-known SPU idea to the fullest. The high-purity silver coils keep the signal path especially clean, the bakelite body echoes the construction of the historic cartridge bodies, and the SME bayonet connection makes mounting on a matching arm a simple job. A cartridge for people who want to bring their 124 DD to its full potential.

What you'll hear

The typical, full-bodied SPU character — rich, full of tonal colour, and with a calmness in vocal reproduction that's hard to forget. The pure-silver coils add a touch more detail in the treble without touching the warm base character. On a properly aligned TP 124 or TP 92 with SME headshell, it really comes into its own.

Who is the SPU-124 Anniversary for?

For owners of a TD 124 DD who want the best SPU cartridge on their turntable — and for SPU lovers who simply want the limited pure-silver version. To be clear: it needs a real MC phono input or step-up transformer, and an arm with a matching mass. On an entry-level setup, it's out of place.

Our verdict

An SPU the way it should be — just with that certain extra of silver and bakelite. If you want to celebrate the 124 DD sound, this is the cartridge to match it. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil mount and align it for you properly, and tell you honestly whether your phono stage is up to the job.

Technical data

• Type: MC (moving coil) cartridge, low output
• Design: SPU with integrated headshell
• Connection: SME bayonet
• Stylus: nude elliptical
• Coils: pure silver (Anniversary special edition)
• Body: bakelite
• Developed by Ortofon for Thorens (TD 124 DD 140th Anniversary)

Frequently asked questions

What sets the SPU-124 Anniversary apart from the standard SPU-124?

Two things: the coils are wound from pure silver instead of OFC copper, and the body is made of bakelite instead of fibre resin. Both aim for an even cleaner, more coherent sound. Otherwise it shares the proven SPU design with integrated headshell and SME connection.

Which tonearm fits the SPU-124 Anniversary?

Thanks to the integrated headshell and SME bayonet, it fits arms with a matching mount — on a Thorens TD 124 DD, that's the TP 124 or TP 92 with SME headshell. What matters is a matching arm mass and careful adjustment of tracking force and azimuth.

Do I need a special phono input?

Yes. As a low-impedance, low-output MC, the SPU-124 needs an MC phono input or a step-up transformer. On a plain MM input, it plays too quietly. We'll help you find the right phono stage for your system.

Why buy the SPU-124 Anniversary from HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge like this stands or falls with mounting and alignment. We fit it properly, align it, and check how it works together with your phono stage. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're there for you after the purchase too — from setup to later service.

Goes well with

Its natural home is the Thorens TD 124 DD. You'll find more cartridges in our cartridge selection, and the full Thorens range at Thorens.