Garrard 301 - Project

“Your willingness to investigate and taking this to the place you have now achieved is the road less travelled where Vintage TT’s are the interest.”
@pindac 

Thanks…My listening impressions will have to wait a bit, as I ran into a small snag with the Artisan Fidelity Hybrid Platter + Bearing installation. Thankfully, I caught it early and I’m relieved to have discovered the issue now rather than later.

Due to the increased platter height, my armboards will need to be raised about 1 inch to achieve proper VTA and clearance. A quick call to Chris at Woodsong Audio, and as always, a solution is already in motion. His responsiveness, flexibility and craftsmanship continue to impress.

I’ve uploaded photos #12–16 of the new platter in my virtual system for anyone interested. Even in its temporary setup, the new hardware looks and feels exceptional — the machining and finish quality are first-rate. I’m eager to hear what it brings once everything’s dialed in. The plinth is expected to arrive by end of October which gives me plenty of time to break-in the platter. 

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

Larry. I used to hang out at Vu's store on the occasional Saturday afternoon, mostly listening to his various systems.  That was the first small place out on Rte 123, I think is where it was.  He then moved to the second floor of a red brick office building down the street; I don't know if he is still there.  I began to feel guilty about hanging around without buying anything, so I stopped doing it.  Even then my tastes in equipment (ESLs driven by OTLs) were somewhat different from Vu's preferences. But we always got along OK. I think he is a nice guy. I did listen at the home of one of his customers to a TD124 he bought from Vu, when I was trying to decide which of the big 3 vintage idlers to buy.  I have to say I preferred the 301 or the Lenco (what I have now) over the TD124 that I auditioned.

I highly recommend this Vintage Arm based on it’s performance and easy/precise ’on the fly’ adjustments. JVC Victor UA-7082 (ll-1/8") or UA-7045 (9-5/8") 

It has the low cost advantage of typically having age related ’counterweight sag’ that I found a simple solution almost anyone can repair themselves.

Easy Repair of Age Related Counterweight Sag JVC Victor UA-7082 or 7045

@lewm 

A few years ago Vu moved again from the second floor office building  to an even funkier space just off Tyco Road near the Tyson’s Corner Audi dealer.  Haven’t visited the new space, alas, as Vu and I had a nasty breakup over a Garrard 401, believe it or not.   

@mdalton 

Let me guess — Vu wanted to sell you a pink Cadillac and you had your heart set on a blue Ferrari.