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.

lalitk

no jvc large plinths have shown up for a while, suddenly several are on yahoo.japan auctions

https://auc.aleado.com/yahoo/search

I searched for TT81, they came up

same on hifishark

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=tt81

cl-p2, tt81, no bids, 1 day left

https://yahoo.aleado.com/lot?auctionID=u1200644947

cl-p1, dust cover, this is an awesome 7 layer plinth, leveling/isolating feet, and removable board for 1 arm, no bids, 2 days left

https://auc.aleado.com/yahoo/lot?auctionID=k1198937173

hole for either 5045 or 7082, prone to counterweight sag, readily solved with a single washer from Home Depot

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/12014

 

 

 

 

“I posted it as a curiosity as it just got listed recently”

@elliottbnewcombjr 

I admire your passion about JVC CL-P2 7. Maybe you should start a new thread on all things about CL-P2 7. 

Cheers! 

I use a  AT Record Center Weight on my JVC TT81, weights 70 grams

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT618A-AT618a-Disc-Stabilizer/dp/B07HB2LDYT?th=1

One lightweight solution is to use a rubber reel holder, they grip the spindle, hold down without weight, they are a good choice for the Luxman Turntables with the DD Motor that uses it’s motor’s magnetics to repell/reduce 80% of the platter weight off it's bearing

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=reel+holders&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2553889.m570.l1313

 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

It’s all good. And yes, the isolation issue was resolved long ago with Daruma Isolation blocks on my DAS plinth. Since then, I’ve ordered Woodsong plinth and it should be delivered in next couple of weeks or so. As per Chris @woodsong, this plinth is his best work yet..I can hardly wait to see how his plinth elevates performance of my 301. 

Chris’s plinths are known for their craftsmanship—densely layered materials, resonance control, and that organic finish that makes them look as good as they sound.