garrard vs clearaudio innovation

Then after the AR turntable popularized belt drives and with the invention of electronically controlled motors and direct drive tables there was no longer a need for idler wheels to change speed. Idler wheels and rumble filters disappeared from the market. I'm all for nostalgia but if I ever get another TD 124 it will be for display only.

Mike
I do not have any woofer cones to dance.
Maggie's in my system.
Maybe that is the key here?

IF there is low frequency rumble, that fact that you don't have conventional woofers will only save you from having to observe the cone dance that might otherwise result.  However, the rumble would still eat up amplifier energy and possibly cause distortion in upper frequencies.  I say "if".  I don't necessarily agree that the 301/401 cannot be modified to eliminate or at least ameliorate that problem, without going all the way to the Artisan Fidelity set of solutions.

Instead of Artisan Fidelity, here’s what you can do for less money:

• 1. AudioSilente idler - $110
• 2. PAC 20mm oversize aluminum platter from CTC in UK - $750.
• 3. SPH bearing - $250

These 3 options will take your 301/401 to the next level. Huge improvement.
The SPH bearing reduces wow and flutter from 0.14% to 0.06%.

All I am saying is that if there is any low frequency rumble I do not detect it in my listening sessions.

And yea I am from the days of receivers from the 70,s where the rumble and the hi filter were de rigueur.