2. analog
  3. 149436-86893

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
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
If you know how to take the motor apart to lube the lower bearing, it can’t hurt having a replacement bearing on hand. If the table is used and new to you, figure on doing the above as a matter of essential maintenance.
The most difficult and real PITA bearing in the 301/401 is the lower idler bearing. Be real careful working on it when you swap the new AS in. If the lower spindle is wobbling in the bushing, you will have real bad sound. Replacing the bushing requires some skill and tooling.

mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@noromance  
Thank you for your recommendaiton.
The AS idler wheel arrived today. I have installed it and seems to make a slight 'whirr sound' but it sounds great. Especially. in the mid range. Also more dramatic/faster articulations/dynamics.
I haven't installed the bushes. It looks tricky. The existing upper bushing is firmly in place and I'm not sure how to remove it without some pressure. Is there are good way to do this or does it normally come out easily?
May be there is some tutorial/ video available somewhere?
Thank you,
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
Do not attempt to change bushings if they seem okay. It’s a job you’ll regret undertaking without specialized knowledge.
Does the idler spin freely and take some time to spin down?
Does it make the whirring noise with platter off?
mozartbrain OP
18 posts
 
@noromance 
The idler spins freely and the platter takes 18 secs to completely stop.
The 'whirring' is hardly audible and I can only hear it with the platter off with my ear a couple of inches away. 
Thx again,
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,763 posts
 
Good. Make sure to clean the inside of the platter rim with alcohol. 
More to discover