Pimp up your Thorens TD124

Some pics of the amagnetic platter for my beloved 124!

SAEC WE-308N (1978, JPY 38,000) Static Tonearm

The SAEC WE-308 is designed to offer the new reference standard of tone arm engineering for the serious audiophile. The Audio Engineering's remarkable approach toward the perfection of disc sound is crystallized in the WE-308's unique construction, the Double Knife Edge.
The Double Knife Edge had two blades in the past. Currently, it was made to include four blades up and down providing a structure in which the edge support is held firmly from both sides and from the top. Since these four blades are ground to form a straight line, they practically constitute a high strength pivoting body with the straight line as turning axis and with no mechanical free play. 
SAEC knife edge blade has a diameter of less than 0,02mm and is ultra-precise. This finish precision sets SAEC apart from other makers. The edge is first ground to 0,05mm by a machine and then to 0,02mm by a skilled human hand.
This newer construction covers up disadvantages of conventional knife edge type tone arms.
The Double Knife Edge provides the lowest friction level and highest sensitive movement of the tone arm ever achieved.
Therefore, the WE-308 with any advanced cartridge tracks the record groove with less distortion than ever and reproduces clear directionality, pinpoint placement of instruments and phenomenal cleanness of the disc sound.
The SAEC WE-308 itself is a precision-balanced arm. The three-axis of the arm is meticulously balanced so it practically results in no loss of sensitivity.
Fine adjustments of the tracking force are automatically carried out as the arm tracks to the inner grooves of a record. This special device, along with the light weight and lowest resonance "ultimate" headshell, provides more faithful reproduction of sound. On the most inner groove, for example, it oes a remarkable job with 20% more tracking force that results in clear and open high frequency response information.

Specifications: 

Effective length: 240,0mm

Overhang: 5,0mm

Offset angle: 12,5

Effective mass: >12,0g

Cartridge weight range: 5,0g – 11,0g

Height range: 45,5mm – 62,5mm

Mounting hole: 27,0mm

For more info take a look here.

WIZARD

In the center of Udine, there's a secret place, a hidden treasure that goes by the name "Wizard" - Goran's store. 

This name, so magical and mysterious, seems to promise something extraordinary, and it doesn't disappoint at all! Here, music reigns supreme, enveloping visitors in a sonic embrace that enchants and captivates hearts. 

But it's not just the music that makes this place shine: it's a true crossroads of kindred spirits, where friends come together and enthusiasts meet to share their passion for music and more. 

Goran's knowledge and passion for music blend to create a unique atmosphere, where every suggestion becomes a journey through notes and rhythms, guided by his experience and passion. It's like having a personal music mentor ready to open the doors to infinite musical beauty. 

And as Goran offers his precious advice, the store fills with enthusiasts, where new friendships are made and musical tales and secrets are exchanged, creating an unbreakable bond among those who share the same passion. 

If you are passing through Udine, don't miss it!

QUAD II mono amplifier

These valve amplifiers are a living legend, proof that sometimes the old things are still good. Looking at the design, it's clear that the Quad II is not here to impress you with weird shapes. 

With their metal chassis and valves sticking up like a row of soldiers (2 x EF86, 2 x KT66 and 1 GZ32) , they seem to say, "We don't need to look good; we already know we're fantastic."

But the real magic happens when you plug them in and press the power button. Despite to a faint hum as the valves, like an old engine waking up from a slumber, when the music starts to flow, it's almost a mystical experience. The Quad II amplifiers have a warm and enveloping sound that makes you feel like you've stepped back into the 1950s, when listening to the radio was a family event.

And don't be fooled by their retro appearance because the Quad II can hold their own against many modern amplifiers. Despite the age they offer a top-of-the-class performance without ever been clouded or cloesed: infact bass is deep and smooth, the highs are clear without being harsh.

In short, if you're an audio enthusiast looking for an amplifier with a story to tell, the Quad II is a fantastic choice. Once you've listened to them, you'll understand why they've become legendary…stay tuned 😉

 

MORSIANI CM tonearm

 

Morsiani’s tonearm is the kind of product that can bring tears of joy to an audiophile...😍 infact this tonearm is not just a piece of precision engineering, but also a fine example of refined design.

This tonearm, unfortunately no longer in production, was created by its consctructor, Carlo Morsiani, with incredible attention to detail. Every part is designed to deliver maximum performance and reliability. There are no unnecessary components or extravagant designs; everything is there for a purpose, and that purpose is to give you the purest sound possible.

The first time you adjust the tonearm, you immediately notice how smooth and balanced it is. This smoothness translates into an incredibly precise sound reproduction, with a dynamic range that gives you goosebumps. With the Morsiani tonearm every record feels alive in a way you've never experienced before.

One of the most aspects I appreciate is its versatility. Thanks to the ability to adjust various components, you can customize it to suit your listening style and favorite records. This gives you incredible freedom and allows you to experiment with different setups, turning each listening session into a unique experience.

In conclusion, if you're a vinyl enthusiast looking to take your turntable to the next level, the Morsiani is an excellent choice. It offers exceptional performance, elegant design, and versatility, all in a package that makes every audiophile dream. Get ready to spend hours listening to your record collection, because with the Morsiani tonearm, every session will be an exciting journey into the world of music. Stay tuned ;)

SPENDOR LS 3/5a

 

The Spendor LS3/5a is the Holy Grail for many Hi-Fi enthusiasts, renowned for their simply exceptional midrange reproduction. Every detail of voices and acoustic instruments is rendered with a clarity that leaves you in awe. It's like listening to live music in your own room—an intimate and engaging experience.

These speakers are the joy and bane of audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic precision comes with some obvious limitations: the power handling is limited, making them unsuitable for high volumes. Additionally, their ability to soundproof larger rooms is restricted, making them ideal for smaller spaces or as studio monitors.

Spendor LS3/5a is perfect for those seeking a detailed and refined sonic experience, but they might not be the right choice for those looking for more power or a broader sound for large spaces. If you value purity in the midrange and have a smaller listening environment, these speakers are a must-consider, despite to the age! Stay tuned ;)

DENON DP 80

The Denon DP-80 is a turntable that looks like it came straight out of a mad inventor's workshop. But don't let its vintage appearance fool you; this is a true tank in the world of turntables. With its direct-drive motor and pitch control, it's the kind of device that makes DJs and audio purists drool.

One thing that struck me is the solid design. Despite its sturdiness, it has a gentle touch when it comes to reproducing sound. It's like it's capable of capturing every nuance of your favorite tracks, from the high frequencies to the deep, vibrant bass.

If you love vinyl and want a turntable that is reliable, high-performing, and, why not, a bit vintage chic, the Denon DP-80 is a choice that won't disappoint. Once you start playing vinyl, with a turntable like this, there's no turning back.

Stay tuned!

;)