The TD126 mkII would have been the top of the line Thorens deck in its era. Mid seventies iirc. Electronic speed control. A frequency generator. In this iteration Thorens was still using an AC synchronous motor of small watts output. The model was then and still is today well thought of. A high-end player for its time and, when well set up with an appropriate tonearm/cartridge, competitive with some serious players of this era.
The TD126 mkII will come standard with the TP16 mkII tonearm. This is a relatively low mass arm that was designed to mate well with high compliance moving magnet cartridges of that era. Today you might want to try a different tonearm. But the standard arm could still deliver good music. It is the limiting factor today, however.
It was the TD126 mkIII that tried the disastrous DC servo-loop motor controller ( on a belt drive player) fiasco... That model was initially poorly thought of but Thorens continued to develop the model on into the 1990's.
Fortunately you have the mkII which is desirable.
Unfortunately the deck is old enough to require a thorough clean-up. Typically the electrolytics (caps and resistors) in the speed control circuitry will need to be replaced, since these dry out over time.... And there has been time.
Your typical radio repair shop (if you can still find one)will no longer have significant knowledge in turntable repairs or setup. A full generation has grown up not living with the Lp and its players.
Generally, it is the diy'ers that delve into the world of vintage Thorens players.
http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_gallery.htm
The TD126 mkII will come standard with the TP16 mkII tonearm. This is a relatively low mass arm that was designed to mate well with high compliance moving magnet cartridges of that era. Today you might want to try a different tonearm. But the standard arm could still deliver good music. It is the limiting factor today, however.
It was the TD126 mkIII that tried the disastrous DC servo-loop motor controller ( on a belt drive player) fiasco... That model was initially poorly thought of but Thorens continued to develop the model on into the 1990's.
Fortunately you have the mkII which is desirable.
Unfortunately the deck is old enough to require a thorough clean-up. Typically the electrolytics (caps and resistors) in the speed control circuitry will need to be replaced, since these dry out over time.... And there has been time.
Your typical radio repair shop (if you can still find one)will no longer have significant knowledge in turntable repairs or setup. A full generation has grown up not living with the Lp and its players.
Generally, it is the diy'ers that delve into the world of vintage Thorens players.
http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_gallery.htm