Thorens TD 124 DD + SPU-124, Black

The Thorens TD 124 DD + SPU-124 is a ready-to-play high-end set combining the newly reissued studio legend TD 124 DD with the mounted moving-coil cartridge Thorens SPU-124 — with High-Precision direct drive, TP-124 tonearm and balanced XLR outputs, in matte black.

Chassis, tonearm and cartridge come as a matched package: you know the TD 124 DD as the icon from 1957, reimagined with direct drive. The Thorens SPU-124 — developed together with Ortofon and matched to the TD 124 DD — is mounted and roughly aligned, so all that's left for you to do is drop the needle.

Why the TD 124 DD set with SPU-124?

Because the chassis and cartridge are a perfect match here. The TD 124 DD brings the foundation: a height-adjustable aluminum chassis on vibration-damping rubber elements, a powerful High-Precision direct drive, a fully adjustable TP-124 tonearm with ruby-bearing anti-skating and an electric lift. The SPU-124 contributes that legendary SPU feel — a high-end MC cartridge with a character all its own, rich and colorful. Via the XLR outputs, you get the maximum out of it. A set where all the matching has already been done for you.

What you hear

Calm, substance, character. The direct drive keeps the speed steady, the heavy chassis keeps interference out. The SPU-124 plays with a robust, rich color, with tangible voices and a full, defined bass. Via the balanced XLR outputs into an MC phono stage, the soundstage sits big and clean in the room.

Who is the TD 124 DD set for?

For anyone who wants the icon ready to play — with the matching SPU cartridge already mounted. Ideal for jazz, classical, and anything that benefits from a robust, characterful MC sound.

Plainly put: the SPU-124 is an MC cartridge and needs an MC-capable phono stage — if you only have an MM input, you'll need a step-up transformer or an MC preamp added. For the best result, run it balanced via XLR. 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 with SPU-124 is the direct route to the icon — chassis and matching MC cartridge from a single source, matched and mounted. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we do the final adjustment of tracking force and anti-skating and check whether your phono stage suits the SPU-124.

Technical Data

• Set: Thorens TD 124 DD + Thorens SPU-124 (MC), mounted
• Type: high-end turntable with direct drive (manual)
• Drive: High-Precision direct drive, powerful torque
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, speed control with strobe
• Chassis: aluminum, height-adjustable, vibration-damped
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 124 (9 inch), fully adjustable, ruby-bearing anti-skating
• Cartridge: Thorens SPU-124, Moving Coil (MC), mounted — developed with Ortofon
• Headshell: detachable (SME mount)
• 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 mounted SPU-124, detachable headshell, external power supply, dust cover

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the TD 124 DD set with SPU-124?

The Thorens TD 124 DD chassis with TP-124 arm in black, plus the mounted moving-coil cartridge Thorens SPU-124, the detachable headshell, the external power supply and the dust cover. We do the final adjustment of the cartridge before handover.

What kind of cartridge is the SPU-124?

A high-end MC cartridge that Thorens developed together with Ortofon — a version of the legendary Ortofon SPU specifically matched to the TD 124 DD. It plays with a robust, colorful and dynamic sound, and feels particularly at home run balanced via the XLR outputs.

Do I need a special phono stage for the set?

Yes, an MC-capable phono stage. The SPU-124 is a moving-coil cartridge and needs more gain and a suitable loading impedance than an MM cartridge. If you only have an MM input, a step-up transformer or an MC preamp will fill the gap — we're happy to advise you.

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 high-end systems.

Why buy the Thorens TD 124 DD set at HD Zürisee?

Because an MC set only truly shines after proper adjustment — tracking force, anti-skating, alignment, phono stage loading. 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

For MC operation, you'll need a suitable phono preamp; more cartridges and more from the manufacturer can be found in the Thorens range. Also browse all turntables.