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.
Jim @jperry I will post my impressions before or after plinth installation. August 2025 will mark two year anniversary since it all started. It’s been fun for sure, learning and understanding the path to classic Garrard 301 customization. The trifecta, Audio Grail restored 301, mounted in a Woodsong plinth and upgraded with the Artisan Fidelity inverted bearing and hybrid platter. I am anxious to see how the synergy unfolds with the 301, Woodsong, and Artisan Fidelity upgrades before my next leap into my ultimate cartridge and maybe a phonostage. I believe @noromance pointed here or elsewhere that I need a better phono :-) Once everything is dialed in, I should have a clearer picture of how a cartridge like the Etsuro Gold could complement (or potentially overwhelm) the system’s balance. |
“Looking Beautiful and Fitting for the Job in Hand in only one piece of the equation” Haha—fair point! I may be admiring the shine on the thoroughbred before it is even left the paddock. But with this bloodline of components, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic it’ll be more Secretariat than show pony 🎶 Let’s see how she runs once the stylus hits the track! |
So many owners of vintage idler tables put, or leave on, vintage tonearms to achieve the proper look. But, if one uses a state of the art modern arm on these tables, they are remarkable performers--lively, engaging and fun. Many will, even when correctly reconditioned, have a bit more audible rumble than high end modern tables, but, that is a small price to pay for the positive attributes. A local dealer recommends 301, 401 and Thorens 124 for customers whose systems are well into six figures -- he clearly thinks the tables are worthy. One that I particularly liked has a 12" Wheaton Triplanar arm on it. |
