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Audiosilente idler wheel versus Artisan Fidelity idler wheel for a Garraed 401

Greetings,
I am considering upgrading to a new idler wheel for my Garrard 401. Reviews on forums seem to agree that there is a noticeable improvement in sound achieved. There are two possibilities that I am considering. 

The Audiosilente idler wheel is US$365
Artisan Fidelity is approx. Euros 100.

I ma wondering if anyone has any commentary are experience which of these two may offer the greatest improvements. I am certainly interested in an improvement in dynamics and everything else that is possible!

Artisan Fidelity https://www.artisanfidelity.com/accessories/garrard-301-precision-idler-wheel

Material - Austenitic Stainless Steel CNC machined case hardened CNC ground inner coupling pin, near true zero measured radial run-out.  State-of-the-Art CNC/CAM Machining achieves ultra close tolerances and accurate concentric form. Heavy weight enhances flywheel effect.Periphery Outer Drive Material - Concentric, Molded Seamless Rubber based Composite, precision CNC ground, near zero measured axial run-out. Manufactured as direct OEM Garrard 301 Schedule I & II / Garrard 401 / Garrard 501 Model replacement part.

The Audiosilent is aluminum with a square rubber outside ring.
http://www.audiosilente.com/garrard-401-idler-wheel-garrard-401.html

Any commentary would be most welcome.
Thank you, 

mozartbrain
lewm
12,992 posts
 
In theory, wouldn’t you want a low moment of inertia, so the motor doesn’t have to do work to move the idler, in addition to moving the platter ? If so, I would choose aluminum over steel. The idler should instantaneously transmit force to the platter. (I don’t own a Garrard but do own a Lenco.)
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
I never got around to the AF review mostly because I wasn't blown away by the difference. Replacing the AS with the AF brought some additional weight and blackness to the soundscape - a good thing and worth the expense of $400 shipped.

The AS gives 90% of the AF. I can recommend the AS 100% and I believe AudioGrail now fit them on refurbished Garrards.

Note that I had to sandpaper the spindle shaft thickness to get the AF to fit while the AS fit exactly from the box. (AF Chris provided detailed instructions on this by immediate email so not a biggie)
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
@lewm The lighter AS certainly has a light, airy, detailed sound to it which may reflect your point. The AF did sound ever so slightly weightier but not slower.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
I also have the heavier CTC aluminum platter and did a speed check after fitting the AS, then the AF and then the CTC. amazingly, to me, the speed was the exact same each time.
lewm
12,992 posts
 
 I wasn’t thinking that the heavier idler wheel would actually affect average platter speed. I was thinking that a lighter idler wheel would make the response time more rapid. By which I refer to the response to stylus drag or bearing friction or other factors that might put a drag on the platter. Because the motor only has to motivate the platter. Maybe The weight of the idler wheel or its moment of inertia is analogous to the compliance of a belt in a belt drive turntable. A belt with low compliance would be like a very light idler wheel.
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