Thorens TD 124 DD, Black

The Thorens TD 124 DD is a high-end turntable chassis with High-Precision direct drive and the newly developed TP-124 tonearm — the reissue of the 1957 studio legend TD 124, in matte black.

In 1957, the TD 124 stood in broadcast studios around the world. Thorens has completely redeveloped it: the basic construction and purist design follow the original, but today it's driven by a powerful direct drive instead of an idler wheel and belt.

Why the Thorens TD 124 DD?

Because it brings the icon into the present without losing its character. The height-adjustable aluminum chassis rests on vibration-damping rubber elements. The High-Precision direct drive delivers powerful torque, regulates speed precisely and keeps interference away from the platter. The new TP-124 tonearm can be adjusted in every parameter to match the cartridge, and works with an anti-skating solution on ruby bearings. Add to that a patented electric lift that lowers and raises the needle gently.

What you hear

Calm, precision, authority. The direct drive keeps the speed steady, the heavy chassis keeps interference out. The sound stands firm and clean, with a defined bass foundation and precise imaging. Via the balanced XLR outputs, paired with a suitable phono stage, you get that last touch of cleanliness.

Who is the TD 124 DD for?

For anyone who wants an icon — with the reliability and precision of modern technology. If you like swapping cartridges and experimenting, you'll find the ideal stage in the fully adjustable TP-124 with its detachable headshell.

Plainly put: the TD 124 DD comes without a cartridge — you choose your own system. For that legendary SPU feel, a slightly heavier counterweight is already included, matching the Thorens SPU-124. And: the lift is electric, but you still have to cue it up yourself — it remains a manual turntable.

Our verdict

The TD 124 DD is one of the few genuine icons you can still buy new today — solidly built, precise, versatile. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we set up the tonearm and your chosen cartridge properly and advise you on the right phono stage.

Technical Data

• Type: high-end turntable chassis with direct drive (manual)
• Drive: High-Precision direct drive, powerful torque
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm
• Speed control with built-in strobe
• Chassis: aluminum, height-adjustable, on vibration-damping rubber elements
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 124 (9 inch), adjustable in every parameter
• Anti-skating: innovative solution with ruby bearing
• Headshell: detachable (SME mount), ready for SPU cartridges
• Cartridge: not included (free choice of system)
• Lift: patented electric tonearm lift
• Outputs: RCA and balanced (XLR), each with grounding
• Power supply: high-quality external power supply
• Finish: Matte Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 425 × 185 × 350 mm
• Weight: 17 kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• Included: chassis with TP-124 tonearm, detachable headshell, additional heavier counterweight (for SPU), external power supply, dust cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TD 124 DD come with a cartridge?

No, the chassis comes without a cartridge — so you can freely choose the system you want. A detachable headshell and an additional, heavier counterweight for SPU cartridges are included. We'll mount and align your system before handover.

What's the difference from the 1957 original?

The design and basic construction follow the original. New are the High-Precision direct drive (instead of an idler wheel and belt), the fully adjustable TP-124 tonearm, the electric lift and the balanced XLR outputs for connecting to high-end systems.

Which cartridge fits the TD 124 DD?

Almost any cartridge with an SME headshell mount. Specifically matched to the chassis is the Thorens SPU-124, a high-end MC cartridge that Thorens developed together with Ortofon. We'll advise you on the ideal combination.

Do I need a special phono stage?

That depends on the cartridge: MM cartridges work with any phono input, MC cartridges like the SPU-124 need an MC-capable stage. For balanced operation, you use the XLR outputs.

Why buy the Thorens TD 124 DD at HD Zürisee?

Because a chassis of this class only truly shines after proper setup — cartridge mounting, tracking force, anti-skating, alignment. That's exactly what we do. Our technician delivers, sets it up on-site on request, and stays your point of contact, right here from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

You'll find the right cartridge under Cartridges, and the right phono preamp right next to it. More from the manufacturer in the Thorens range or among all turntables.