Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive Turntable at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive is the ultimate expression of the award-winning TD 124 DD platform from Thorens (Lahr, Germany), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Building on the acclaimed TD 124 DD 140th Anniversary Edition, this reference-tier direct-drive turntable elevates every performance-critical component to an audiophile absolute. The centerpiece is a newly engineered 12-inch TP 124 tonearm with pure-silver internal cabling, paired with a specially developed Swiss cartridge from EMT Tontechnik inspired by the legendary broadcast "Tondose." The system is completed by a dedicated TPN 124 external linear power supply, a copper platter support for improved mechanical coupling, and gold-plated RCA and balanced XLR outputs for uncompromised signal integrity.

The 12-Inch TP 124 Tonearm and Pure-Silver Signal Path

The most significant upgrade in the Exclusive edition is the newly developed 12-inch TP 124 tonearm. Longer tonearms reduce tracking error angle across the record by virtue of geometry: as effective length increases, the angular deviation of the stylus from the tangent of the groove at any given point decreases. Thorens designed this arm specifically to minimize distortion in the final grooves where tracking angle errors are greatest on standard 9-inch arms. Throughout its length, the TP 124 Exclusive is wired with pure-silver internal cabling, chosen for its exceptionally low resistance and high signal purity, ensuring the cartridge's delicate electrical output reaches the XLR and RCA outputs without coloration or loss. The arm terminates in an SME connector for maximum compatibility and mechanical stability.

Swiss EMT Cartridge and Reference Power Supply

To complete the front end, the TD 124 DD Exclusive is offered with an optionally specified cartridge from EMT Tontechnik of Switzerland. EMT, or Elektro-Mess-Technik, is a storied German and Swiss broadcast technology manufacturer whose "Tondose" cartridge became standard equipment in professional radio and recording studios for decades. The cartridge developed for the Exclusive edition draws direct inspiration from this broadcast heritage while being specifically optimized for the geometry of the 12-inch TP 124 arm. The TPN 124 external linear power supply, also included, provides a profoundly clean and stable energy source for the direct-drive motor, eliminating power-supply-borne noise from the signal chain entirely. A copper platter support further improves mechanical coupling between the platter and bearing while reducing micro-resonances that could otherwise reach the stylus.

Key Features

• 12-Inch TP 124 Tonearm: Extended arm length dramatically reduces tracking error angle across the record surface, minimizing inner-groove distortion compared to standard 9-inch arms.
• Pure-Silver Internal Cabling: Full silver wiring from headshell to output connectors for maximum signal purity and minimal resistance.
• Swiss EMT Cartridge (Optional): Developed specifically for the 12-inch arm by EMT Tontechnik, drawing on the legendary "Tondose" broadcast engineering heritage.
• TPN 124 External Linear Power Supply: Dedicated linear PSU eliminates power-supply noise at the source for the cleanest possible motor operation.
• Copper Platter Support: Improves mechanical coupling and reduces micro-resonances transmitted from the bearing to the platter surface.
• Gold-Plated RCA Outputs: Premium gold-plated unbalanced outputs for superior corrosion resistance and long-term signal integrity.
• Balanced XLR Outputs: True balanced differential outputs for noise-free integration with high-end phono preamplifiers.
• High-Precision Direct Drive Motor: Inherits the proven EISA-award-winning TD 124 DD drive system with powerful torque and exact electronic speed control.
• SME Connector: Standard SME headshell connection for compatibility with a wide range of cartridges and headshells.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive?

The Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive is the top-tier, reference-level configuration of the EISA-award-winning TD 124 DD direct-drive turntable from Thorens. It upgrades the platform with a 12-inch TP 124 tonearm with pure-silver internal cabling, an optional Swiss EMT Tontechnik cartridge inspired by broadcast heritage, a TPN 124 external linear power supply, a copper platter support, and gold-plated RCA alongside balanced XLR outputs. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA.

How does the TD 124 DD Exclusive differ from the standard TD 124 DD?

The standard TD 124 DD uses the 9-inch TP 124 tonearm with standard internal wiring and an external power supply. The Exclusive upgrades to a 12-inch TP 124 arm for reduced tracking error, runs pure-silver cabling throughout the signal path, adds the TPN 124 dedicated linear power supply for lower motor noise, incorporates a copper platter support for improved mechanical coupling, upgrades to gold-plated RCA connectors, and offers the optional Swiss EMT cartridge developed specifically for the 12-inch arm. Together these changes represent a comprehensive reference-level upgrade of every performance-limiting element in the standard model.

What is the EMT Tondose and why is it significant?

The EMT Tondose is a cartridge type originally developed by Elektro-Mess-Technik for professional broadcast radio stations in Germany and Switzerland, where it became a studio standard for decades. It is known for its robust build, exceptional channel separation, and the authoritative, dynamically alive sonic presentation that characterized professional broadcast playback. The cartridge developed for the TD 124 DD Exclusive by EMT Tontechnik draws on this tradition while being specifically engineered to match the geometry and resonance characteristics of the 12-inch TP 124 tonearm.

Why does a 12-inch tonearm reduce distortion compared to a 9-inch arm?

A longer tonearm traces a larger arc across the record surface. Because the arc more closely approximates the straight line of a cutting lathe's tangential stylus path, the angular deviation (tracking error) between the playback stylus and the original cutting angle is reduced at every point on the record. This is especially significant in the inner grooves, where a 9-inch arm can accumulate tracking error angles of several degrees. The 12-inch TP 124 in the Exclusive edition reduces this across the full record surface, resulting in measurably lower harmonic distortion and a more accurate reproduction of the original master.

Does the TD 124 DD Exclusive require an external phono preamplifier?

Yes. The TD 124 DD Exclusive does not include a built-in phono stage and requires an external phono preamplifier. For maximum performance, a preamplifier with balanced XLR inputs is strongly recommended to take full advantage of the turntable's differential output stage. When paired with a high-quality MC phono stage and the EMT cartridge, the Exclusive edition's pure-silver signal path and TPN 124 linear power supply deliver their full sonic benefit.

Where can I buy the Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive in Buffalo or the USA?

The Thorens TD 124 DD Exclusive is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Thorens dealer providing expert analog setup, cartridge alignment, and after-sales support to audiophiles across Western New York and throughout the United States.

Can the TD 124 DD Exclusive be configured with different cartridges?

Yes. The 12-inch TP 124 tonearm uses a standard SME connector, making it compatible with a wide range of moving coil and moving magnet cartridges beyond the optional EMT. The tonearm is fully adjustable for VTA, azimuth, and tracking force, and the SME headshell system allows cartridge swapping without re-cabling. The included additional heavy counterweight also maintains compatibility with high-mass SPU-type cartridges.