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 Indeed. If your idler bearings are healthy enough to stand up to swapping idlers, it might be worthwhile to try both. They have their own flavors. Ensure you do the W+F tests. An out of kilter wheel-no matter who makes ’em-will affect playback negatively. While the search is useful, it’s good to keep the thread active by questioning away. You’ve brought us this far! |
I’m good on idler bearings, I just wanted to get the idler wheel upgrade out of the way before I sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. To measure speed, W&F, I got shakenspin analyzer II, it’s pretty darn accurate and easy to use. Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll keep the thread going and share updates once I’ve had a chance to secure the idler wheel. |
@lalitk It is a real pleasure to see your description shared. Microns Matter, and Materials selection to work with the microns as an interface dimension. I am very familiar with how inaudible a proper thought out Bearing design can present itself. I take it the experiencing is revealing new info as each revisit occurs. |
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@noromance @jperry @mdalton @fsonicsmith Garrard 301 plinth arrived today. The plinth turned to be a work of art…absolutely stunning. The Hawaiian Koa grain looks alive, glowing with depth and warmth. It’s one of those woods that seems to shimmer differently with every angle of light. The plinth craftsmanship and finish should handsomely complement my Garrard 301’s classic presence. I’m super excited to put everything together…stay tuned! |
