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.
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.
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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 |
- 379 posts total