garrard vs clearaudio innovation

I had a Clearaudio Innovation on a cheap rack (Lovan) on suspended wood floor (but much more sturdy than that of a typical residence, which are impossibly flimsy), and I would experience nasty woofer flapping at times. It was very easy to see on my Tannoy’s big 15" drivers. I upgraded to a high-end rack (CMS Maxxum) and Clearaudio Master Innovation at the same time. No visible woofer flapping at all since then, not even a tiny bit. No more feedback issues of any kind. I listen at loud volumes, too. Sounds wonderful. I think these Clearaudio tables are capable of being extraordinarily quiet, but you must provide them a proper platform.

I'm also on the Garrard train, 301 in my case but, i have not had issues with rumble at all. I think like others have said it depends on the table you get and what your prepared to do to it to make it legendary. 

The Clearaudio is going to be a drop down set up and forget table the Garrard is going to require maintenance and updating to make it epic but if you take the time and money it will be much better then the innovation.  It's just how much time and money are you willing to put in to get to the holy grail of rim drive , think Shido here and the $30k Garrard. 

The ClearAudio will be the same for ever (maybe minor upgrades) the Garrard has a clear upgrade path if that's something your into. 

Also the Garrard's are only getting older but still sought after how many other 50+ year old tables get $2k plus for a basic table that needs a refurb.   

To me it boils down to easy or hard. easy ClearAudio, hard Garrard. hard things in life always seem better in the end, maybe, are you willing to put in the effort. 

Glen.

Glen and just how will the Garrard be "much better" than the Clearaudio which not only is a belt drive but also has a magnetic bearing. It certainly is not going to be better on the rumble front. If you put the same tonearm and cartridge on both tables convince me that the Garrard is "much better."
Mulveling, my point exactly. Any fixed, un-suspended turntable needs a firm footing from the floor up. If you have it great, you have much more choice in fine tables if not a suspended table is mandatory for trouble free high performance.

I’m not a fan of belt driven turntables.  I have a 301 in a walnut plinth, and the 301 sits on springs in the plinth.  Similar to my modified Dual 1229.  I also had a EMT 927 which is the best table I’ve ever heard period.   Never any feed back or woofer dance with any of these tables.

Properly set up, I would run with the 401.  It’s actually a better table then the 301, and because it is idler driven, it will have more pace and power musically speaking.  

Bur with any of us, it’s really up to what YOU like, what YOU enjoy.
You may prefer the Clearaudio, and if so that is what you should buy.

You will always turn a profit on the 401.  They are in high demand.  In five years time your Clearaudio will be worth a fraction of what you paid. Something to factor in.

I am going to stick with my 401 as it is by far the best sounding tt that has been in my system so far.
Very musical and dynamic.
No need for anybody to be telling me what i must be hearing  thank you.
Everybody to there own and just enjoy your music, I certainly am!