Rega Planar 3 vs Thorens TD 124

Verdict

The Rega Planar 3 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many users praising its versatility and upgradeability. The sound quality is consistently described as excellent, with many users noting significant improvements over their previous turntables. Some users mention the potential for the Planar 3 to become a "money pit" due to its upgradeability, but overall, the turntable is considered a top value in its price range. The included cartridge is also praised for its quality. Some users mention the delicate cueing lever as a minor drawback, but this is a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the turntable.

Verdict

The Thorens TD 124 is a highly serviceable turntable with a rich character to its sound. It is completely manual and belt-driven, making it super dynamic. The turntable comes with a Gretto needle and a spare one in a box. It is not an inexpensive turntable, but it is worth the investment for its quality and longevity. The rebuild kit for the motor and rubber grommets is available from Europe, but luckily, most of the parts are already new. Overall, the Thorens TD 124 is a fantastic turntable that can last for another 50-60 years with proper maintenance.