Vintage Thorens turntable -Good or Bad?


I recently purchased a TD126 MkII. I have yet to set it up. I hope I have not made bad purchase. I first read good things about this deck . The shop I took it to for service, thinks it's not worth investing in it. and suggested not getting a cartridge costing more than $100.
Brooks Berdan Ltd suggested a Grado Blue and leaving it at that. Any opinions on this deck? And what can I do to get the best performance from this deck or did I buy a lemon model of Thorens...
profiler54

Showing 1 response by paanders

I've recently come upon the same model in a possible sale. The owner is asking $525 for the Thorens 126 mk ii in excellent condition. With a shure m97ex cartridge (not a pricey item, to say the least).

Any thoughts on that? I would think this is a fine vintage TT, but it's still old, no doubt needs tlc under the hood, has basic cart, and high price. What might a fair market value be for such an item?

Or should I take that 400-550$ US elsewhere in search of re-entry TT?