Being a vintage Garrard owner (401), I've found them to be a joy to use and listen to.
I strongly recommend, however, avoiding the Kokomo bearing upgrade (downgrade). There are reports of the ceramic bearing damaging the spindle bottom over time.
I tried an aftermarket bearing alternative for quite some time, and found the smaller bearing was wearing a dimple into the bottom of the spindle. I gently polished it, and went back to the original thrust bearing. So far, I haven't noticed any ill effects.
Therefore, I adivse you to stick with the stock bearing and spindle. There are available new bearing-spindle replacements (Artisan Fidelity has one), but they tend to be quite expensive. I haven't heard an updated 301/401 bearing system, so I can't comment on whether they represent an improvement in sound quality over the stock bearing.
More information can be found at garrardmatters.com, a British forum moderated and sponsered by Northwest Analog, a UK-based restorer of Garrard and other idler drive TT's.
You might want to look up Stefano Bertoncello, he makes a nice looking aftermarket bearing/spindle, and sponsors "The World Of Bespoke Idler Drive Turntables".
Do as much research as you can before making any bearing upgrades/changes. It can have a disastrous effect with the wrong product.
Regards, and enjoy,
Dan
I strongly recommend, however, avoiding the Kokomo bearing upgrade (downgrade). There are reports of the ceramic bearing damaging the spindle bottom over time.
I tried an aftermarket bearing alternative for quite some time, and found the smaller bearing was wearing a dimple into the bottom of the spindle. I gently polished it, and went back to the original thrust bearing. So far, I haven't noticed any ill effects.
Therefore, I adivse you to stick with the stock bearing and spindle. There are available new bearing-spindle replacements (Artisan Fidelity has one), but they tend to be quite expensive. I haven't heard an updated 301/401 bearing system, so I can't comment on whether they represent an improvement in sound quality over the stock bearing.
More information can be found at garrardmatters.com, a British forum moderated and sponsered by Northwest Analog, a UK-based restorer of Garrard and other idler drive TT's.
You might want to look up Stefano Bertoncello, he makes a nice looking aftermarket bearing/spindle, and sponsors "The World Of Bespoke Idler Drive Turntables".
Do as much research as you can before making any bearing upgrades/changes. It can have a disastrous effect with the wrong product.
Regards, and enjoy,
Dan