Garrard 301 - Project
I have been contemplating for a while which turntable to pursue given so many choices. Every time I look around, I just can’t help drooling over a fully restored Garrard 301 or 401. Aside from being an idler-drive, I keep reading and hearing about their unique ability to reproduce music with its sense of drive and impact thus making them very desirable to own. And with available meticulous restoration services and gorgeous plinth options, what’s not to like, right!
Would you please share your experience, good and pitfalls (if any) with a restored Garrard 301 to avoid before I go down this path.
And what about the IEC inlet and power cord, would they be of any significance. My two choices would be Furutech FI-09 NCF or FI-06 (G) inlets.
I have already purchased a Reed 3P Cocobolo 10.5” with Finewire C37+Cryo tonearm/interconnect phono cable with KLEI RCA plugs option.
Still exploring Cart Options, so please feel free to share your choice of cart with Garrard 301 or 401.
And lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to @fsonicsmith, @noromance @mdalton for the inspiration.
I’ve heard this from a number of old-school idler fans. However, I’ve two 401s with the Audiosilente idler and both sound better than the originals. The 401s were refurbished and therefore the original idlers were in good condition before substitution. I suspect the increased detail and blacker backgrounds were not what they were looking for.
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@lalitk Cool ;-) Speaking as a guy with just 4 turntables, n +1 arms, cartridges approximate Tribbles….. |
I understand you are getting the Rosewood Signature Platinum (outstanding choice in my opinion). Koetsu cartridges are somewhat unique in terms of having a rich, warm sound without being murky. If you own just one cartridge, that is a great choice. I understand you have multiple arm wands, so you will have other choices. Interestingly, I know a few Garrard and Thorens idler fans who own Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridges who like the Audio Technica ART 1000 cartridge. It is a different sound, not quite as warm, but it is very good. I would add that to your candidate list. It seems like you will be having a lot of fun messing with different setups, accessories, etc. |
I've had a look at the Plinth and Arm along with the down stream system. This looks like it the venture is a result of a deep passion to bring Old Tech' into the World of working in conjunction with Modern Design. The Vinyl Source will be real eye candy 😎 Once fully established, with Cart's having a few Hundred Hours behind them from New. I suggest trying out a few other Platter Mats, it is quite a surprise what can occur as the result of using different materials, loaning is the easiest way to get samples to put to the test. |
