Garrard 301 - Project

“Looking Beautiful and Fitting for the Job in Hand in only one piece of the equation”

@pindac 

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.

@larryi 

I agree. There is a good reason why Garrard 301 / 401 and Thorens 124 still holds its place among vinyl enthusiasts. With the right restoration and modern touches, these vintage workhorses don’t just hold their own—they sing. I could have a very nice turntable for the money + love poured into tweaking my Garrard 301 BUT there is something about these idler tables beyond the vintage appearance. They have an innate energy and drive that many belt drives struggle to replicate, and when combined with precise modern tracking and isolation, the result can be breathtakingly musical.

I am absolutely enjoying the Garrard 301’s tactile, propulsive quality not to mention its uncanny ability to convey notes with sheer liveliness and soul. 

PS: Thanks for sharing your recommendation on Wheaton Triplanar arm. I am still pondering on my choices for 2nd tonearm :-) 

I never challenge being excitable, I am a worst case of allowing the condition to take hold.

It is probably that and some interesting proposals that has been instrumental in friends much more adept that myself, taking on some of the challenges I have planted as seeds.

I can't predict what is to come, I'm usually lost the sure footed ground and am all  over the place with anticipation of what is the next experience and learning to be put in front of me.    

Moving on, I would like to hear from some of the Garrard 301/401 owners on record weight / clamp they found to be complementary. Since I am going with Artisan Fidelity’s hybrid platter + Saphire bearing, their very own Aluminum Record Clamp will be part of my listening test. The other one I’m considering is Combak TU‑812MX. Ideally, the clamp or record weight must be less than 16oz or 450 grams. 

I would like to have all the recommended clamps on hand once the upgraded platter and sapphire bearing are installed, so I can properly assess which one has the best synergy with the system. I plan to keep the one that suits my listening preferences most consistently.