Links (analog style) and downloads
A Thorens Prestige
project by Rolf Kelch
November 15, 2004
"I bought the last stock of TD 524 / 738, Prestige and
Reference spare
parts from a closed down factory."
Highlight of this deal was an absolutely poor Thorens
Prestige. You never saw
such a turntable in this --absolute outstandingly bad-- condition. Like a
Gullwing from the junkyard - untouched for 20 years. It took 3 hours time to
get the platter spindle out of the bearing. No matter, I have brand new
spindles and bearings if needed. This table will get under restoration
until it is better than new.
1) 
In the meantime I found out, this turntable never was in a
showroom, never delivered to a customer and it never played any real record. It
was just used to test electronic components before assembling to serial
turntables. His future seems to end with the Prestige production in the
mid 1980´s. Forgotten, dumped away, not useable in any way. No identification
plate, no serial number. But His future has now began again one week ago. I
decided - against my earlier plans - to build him up absolutely original,
including colors, wood and tonearms. He will be the last one and he should be
original in every way.
Also I turned over the Prestige project into a private project. As the manager
of my company, I´m not allowed to screw the golden Thorens plate on any
turntable for sale. But this turntable is not for sale and as a private person I
can do anything I want to do.
2) 
3) 
4) 
5) 
6) 
tip: click on the thumbnail image to view the full size photo.
Index
Cleanup............. Looking better than
you might have thought.
Motor, Suspension and Plinth ......all
cleaned up and ready.
Bearings and Platters. .........going round
in circles with the right parts.
The Electronics .....gathering up
lost electrons.........
click on a link and go there...........