Garrard 301 or 401?

Only difference that might be relevant is that the 301 chassis appears to be made of heavier gauge metal, as compared to that of the 401. This would be an advantage in favor of the 301. However, I only own a 301 and have never seen a 401 "in the flesh", so take my opinion with a grain of salt unless it is reinforced by someone who has owned both. I have seen photos on the internet showing that the spindles of late 301s and the 401 are identical or nearly so; the same would likely be true of the bearing assemblies. To the best of my knowledge the motors are the same, as well. As you know, there are various opinions about the different platters used on the various versions of the 301 and then the 401. Grease-bearing 301s may be qualitatively different sounding from 301 and 401 oil-bearing tables.

Thank to all for your responses.

Best regards

I would contact the Terry and gang at Loricraft.

http://www.garrard501.com/

Their knowledge of these decks is second to none. For what its worth, the 301 and 401 in their different iterations are might fine decks. Yes, the 301 looks nicer and better made but the 401 is more "advanced" but was less well made. The quality metal finish means the looks of the 301 beats the plasticky look of the 401.

FYI My dad had a 301 for close to four decades. Amazing product, matched to a McIntosh 275.