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Rega P10 v Complete rebuild Garrard 401!

I currently have a Rega P3 that I’m generally happy with, but looking to upgrade and I’m in two minds.  Go old school with Garrard 401 or keep with new tech and get a P10.  Both are well regarded and there are plenty of individual reviews.  However I’ve not been able to find a comparative analysis (not really expecting to) so i thought i would ask here.  It would be paired with a Line Magnetic 508ia tub amp and Harbeth HL5 plus speakers.  
I listen to a wide range of music, from classic jazz, funk, soul and classic rock but admittedly i spend the majority of my vinyl time listening to thinks like Bowie, the Smiths, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Chameleons or similar.  
Any counsel?   
gunners01
fatdaddy2
368 posts
 
I picked up a new old stock (NOS) 401 on eBay from Germany (old EMI stores) about 10 years ago or so; built my own plinth and added a Scheu Tacco tonearm with Dynavector Karat cartridge.  This replaced a Planar 3, which was given to my daughter.  Have never been inclined to upgrade from the 401, and it'll undoubtedly still be running when I am not!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,482 posts
 
@gunners01 If you decide on the 401, maybe run what you are getting and for how much by us first. Not sure what Woodsong do to restore one but I do know AudioGrail tears down the table to pieces and cleans, replaces rubbers amd springs and bushings, and strips the poisonous cadmiun from the linkages.
terraplane8bob's avatar
terraplane8bob
54 posts
 
After having used a Thorens TD-125 and a SOTA Sapphire [with vacuum] for a number of years, I decided to pull out an old Garrard 301 I had, build a "floating" plinth for it using my Souther Linear Tracking arm with a "Helikon SL" cartridge, and can say that I have no plans to look any further.   I was amazed that a "vintage" table could perform so well. It is without a doubt the most satisfying sound I've ever achieved from the analogue end of my system.  My subwoofers [Linkwitz "Orion" loudspeakers] show no sign of complaint.  I highly recommend either the Garrard 301 or 401 as your choice.  I don't think you'll be disappointed ---------- 
gunners01 OP
42 posts
 
thanks again noromance.   Right now I'm a strong lean to the 401.   I'm trying to closely match the wood veneer of my Harbeth HL5 Plus speakers in "tiger ebony".  As ebony is not cheap, a woodsong ebony plinth is $3800.  gulp.  thinking ortofon AS 309 tone arm and a Hana HL cart.  Trying to source a 401 for 1k, estimated $750 for rebuild, + $3,800 for plinth, Hana EL probably $500 and ortofon AS 309 probably $2500 so all in its estimated to be $8500 ish.   same price as the SkyFi (work done by AudioGrail in UK.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,482 posts
 
Can you reach out to Jim Campbell? He's a lot cheaper. My 1/2" solid walnut topped and maple birch ply cost $800.
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