Thorens TD-14X Models with auto-shut off (TD-145, TD-146, TD-147, TD-145MKII) Turntable Restorations
What Our Service Includes.
About
Steps We Take While Restoring Your Turntable
Every AR turntable is slightly different in terms of adjustment of the suspension. I have resisted making a Youtube video about suspension adjustment because there are many small factors based on the idiosyncrasies of that table (spring tension, tonearm weight, platter weight, drive platter material, mat weight, cartridge weight, and whether or not a clamp of some kind will be used. Tuning AR suspensions is something I have done literally hundreds of times over the past 15 years. I know the nuances that lead to the very best performance.
Lubricate drive platter bearing and test for quiet and true (Truing the platter, if needed, is additional $40)
If nicks or cuts are found in cables, owner is notified of cable options
Initial evaluation of motor, platter bearing, and basic tonearm function including bearings
Clean drive platter surface where belt rides of oxidation and staining
Clean and polish drive platter bearing shaft
Remove residue from motor pulley
Remove platters and other items that are removable
Lubricate motor, run several hours
Detail tonearm and area around motor
Clean top plate with appropriate cleaners discovered over years of working on them
Clean out platter bearing well
Clean and polish drive platter edge to satin finish
Evaluate cables.
AC and tonearm wire solder points checked. Re-solder if needed.
Clean ground connections
Replace headshell leads with gold plated leads (not replaceable on MKII versions)
Clean smaller items in ultrasonic cleaner
Check corner blocks for splits. Glue, if needed.
Vacuum underside. If parts are corroded, they are treated with WD-40 to prevent further corrosion
Clean and treat mat, if included
Clean and treat plinth. (I can sometimes eliminate shallow scratches as part of this process)
Clean and polish dust cover, if included. (One coat polish inside, three coats outside)
If parts are highly corroded, owner is notified of replacement options. This rarely happens.
Detail all tonearm surfaces
Clean headshell terminals, in and out, with de-Oxit
Check cueing function. Clean out and replace damping fluid, if needed.
If cartridge is used, evaluate cartridge and report results to owner
Mount new cartridge, if needed
Reassemble/reinstall all cleaned parts
Align cartridge, setting VTA, tracking angle, offset, and azimuth
Replace belt with new genuine Thorens Logo Belt, $30 value.
Adjust/tune suspension to maximize performance
Play test
Re-adjust suspension and/or cartridge alignment as needed.
Clean/vacuum bottom plate and re-install
Install upgrade feet
Re-pack turntable for shipment.
Return and enjoy your Restored Turntable
How
The V.E.N. Process
Today it is hard to find turntables or record players, or even a repair center that can fix a turntable or record player. Most repair centers won’t even look at them, and if they do, they only end up making matters worse. Well, search no more!
We have been performing turntable repairs for 57 years now. We have trained technicians coupled with the right parts that make for successful repairs. We take great pride in our work and strive to provide the best quality repairs possible. We understand how turntables work, the gearing, the timing, the need for precision alignment and a good cartridge and needle for proper audio reproduction. You can trust us to get your record player or phonograph working correctly again.Looking for a used turntable?