Turntable advice-thorens questions

Nandric, if one carefully shops, they can pick up a used VPI Classic for just a little more than $1500. Any preference or views about the "old" LP-12 versus the "new" VPI Classic??

I just want to make a few comments about support in response to Ferraris post. First, VPI has orphaned both the Jr. and MK1 though MK3 turntables that are so common on the used market. They are no longer supported by the company.

SOTA is now owned by the Bodinets and the marque is very well supported, however IMHO the prices that they are charging for support are quite venturesome. Take that with a grain of salt as I find much high end pricing venturesome.

There is an entire industry that has grown up around support for the Thorens TD124 and that support is excellent. Both parts and refurbishing are available from a number of sources. Perhaps because of the competition, parts prices seem quite reasonable, though complete rebuilds start at "expensive" and go up from there, again IMHO. I should also point out that the 124 is a much more complicated turntable than the VPIs, SOTAs and Linns of the world, with the possible exception of the SOTA vacuum platter models, but don't get me started on that one.

I beg to differ on the support in regards to the VPI HW 19 MK 1 through MK IV turntables. As a owner of a MK IV, I have always received great support on this table when the need has come about. My last support for this table was about 3 months ago and Harry was most helpful. If things have changed in the interim 90 days then thats news to me. If indeed support is no longer there does not raise a problem as this is one of the most rugged and durable turntables that were produced and is dirt simple in its design. While its true that not all parts of the past are available on the MKIV, Harry has kept supplying upgrades from time to time. I no longer have a MKI, MKII or MKIII VPI so I cannot comment on that. However my interest is now peaked and phone call to Harry on Tuesday is indeed forthcoming. Gad I've know him for well over 25 years now.

However a word of caution on the new Thorens products, They aren't your Daddy's Thorens. Now owned by Project which makes tirntables uner their own name as well as Music Hall, Thorens and probably some others. The current Thorens product is very sad commentary on what was once a very proud name in analog playback. I would avoid any new Thorens product as nothing more or less than rebadged Project turntables.

Agreed F, the new Thorens company is just trading on the name, sad indeed.

And give Sheila my best if you speak with her. VPI customer support is truly fantastic. And I did not comment on the HW19 MKIV as I have no experience with it, but the MKI through have not been supported for many years. Interestingly, there used to be a statement to that effect in their FAQ but it is no longer there.

Agreed the new Thorens are just marketing and fluff - new company riding an old name, nothing worth buying. But I would take any well done vintage Td125 or Td124 (or LP12) over the blah VPI HW19. VPI's in my experience are showy commercial main stream hi-end over hyped and not one bit musical in the least - waaaayy over rated shoddy built (mostly) tables. Its one of those always well reviewed comm. mfg. seen all over the mags but you know its just for people who dont know any better so they buy mainly based on mag reviews, rec. component lists and press. They kinda remind me of like Def. Tech speakers or the like, always great reviews and shiny mag. ads but in reality don't sound good and much better available out there. ymmv.