It always seemed to me that the idler wheel should have the lowest possible inertial mass, so as not to add load to the motor over and above that of the platter. Some of the aftermarket idler wheels that are available for Lenco have an obviously higher inertial mass than does the OEM one provided by Lenco, which is really lightweight and drilled out further to minimize inertial mass. So I thus far have taken a pass on an aftermarket idler wheel. Don't know if the same holds for the 301/401. In my experience with motor controllers, they can have an effect of clarifying complex musical passages that may or may not have anything to do with reducing noise. It may have to do with improving speed constancy by helping the motor overcome stylus drag or other phenomena that affect constancy. It was quite surprising the first time I heard the effect on a Nottingham Analog TT. So I would definitely try one on your 301, or even a few different ones, and listen for that effect.
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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@lalitk The LDA generates a clean sinewave. It’s not about reducing voltage–It’s about providing a cleaner version of mains power.
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It’s about providing a cleaner version of mains power. How about dedicated 15amp circuit and isolated transformer based power conditioner between wall outlet and my Garrard 301? |
@lalitk I assume you already have a dedicated circuit for the stereo equipment. Running a separate one just for the turntable might lead to ground loops. I suppose you could try a power conditioner, and it seems like a good idea though I am uncertain of how well it would work in comparison to the dedicated units like the LDA. Note that I do not use either power solution. Suggest talking to Robin Wyatt. |
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