Early listening.
Using the maintenance jig as plinth, I sample the sound of this renewed TD124.
I only did this briefly. Then switched to a sturdy open box plinth that I
keep on hand for utility purposes.
Above photo: using an open box plinth to support the TD124 during an extended evaluation period.
The tonearm: Fidelity Research FR-54. This is not the most famous nor most respected of FR's designs. Yet, quality of build seems excellent. Quality of sound isn't exactly disappointing either. Quite nice in fact. It does not get in the way of the musical flow. It allows sudden dynamics. It allows very fine details and micro details to articulate. It does not impart any overt tone quality. It allows the thrust and slam to leap forward as it should with a TD124. All in all, I like it. And this is heard while using the standard tonearm wires. I'd expect to hear improvements should the tonearm wires be upgraded to something more modern.
The cartridge: A Denon DL-103R. Mounted within a Uwe Panzerholz wood body. Re-tipped at Soundsmith with a Ruby cantilever line contact diamond stylus.
Listening with 2078 mounted within an 'open box' plinth. Also using the
original rubber platter mat. The bass wood tonearm board has been finished with
several coats of acrylic lacquer in piano black.The open box plinth came with one of the TD124's I have acquired over the past few years. I have mainly used it as a convenient place to park an unused TD124 being stored. Once in a while, though, I do listen to a TD124 project using this plinth. Construction of the open box is from 3/4 inch thick marine grade plywood. There is an unidentified veneer applied to the outer surfaces of the box, which has been painted over with matte black. Seen like this it is a frumpy looking box. However, very energetic sound comes from the player just like this! In fact, it boogies. Note; mushrooms are not in use. The TD124 chassis is allowed to lie flat against the surface of the plywood plinth.