Rega P10 v Complete rebuild Garrard 401!

Go with the P10. I own a P9 and its a vast improvement over a P3. What you get with a P10 is a near reference quality tonearm that offers many cartridge upgrades giving you a long term investment. As you might know Rega tables are known for PRAT which complements Pop/Rock which is your stated choice of music. 

I think your decision to go to someone like Chris is a good one. Idlers aren't alway plug and play so unless you're comfortable getting inside one it's good to make sure to buy from a reputable source. Audio Grail 401s blow my mind and I've almost pressed buy more than a few times on Ebay but I'm happy with the footprint of my current Thorens 124. By the way, I'm not sure the 301 is actually better sounding than the 401. I've talked to owners of both who say that the sexiness of the 301 can affect hearing a bit, although both tables are fantastic.

@scar972 Great setup. How does the Raven stack up against the idlers?

The idlers have more tone when compared to the Raven. This is partially due to the stacked ply wooden plinth I’m using, a different plinth material will likely yield different results.
I measure the wow and flutter of all 3 turntables and they measure pretty much the same with the Raven very slightly lower than the 401 and 301. For those that say idlers rumble and the effects are audible, I really don’t have this issue, this is largely the result of choice in footers being used under the table.
As for speed accuracy, I’d have to give the Raven the edge. Garrards speed accuracy is dependent on the motor pulley, especially changing from one speed to another. Pulleys are sold by a few different manufacturers and I haven’t tried them all.

Thanks. Good info. I'd strongly recommend changing the idler. AudioSilente have one for around $120 and Artisan Fidelity $400.