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Rega P10 v Complete rebuild Garrard 401!

I currently have a Rega P3 that I’m generally happy with, but looking to upgrade and I’m in two minds.  Go old school with Garrard 401 or keep with new tech and get a P10.  Both are well regarded and there are plenty of individual reviews.  However I’ve not been able to find a comparative analysis (not really expecting to) so i thought i would ask here.  It would be paired with a Line Magnetic 508ia tub amp and Harbeth HL5 plus speakers.  
I listen to a wide range of music, from classic jazz, funk, soul and classic rock but admittedly i spend the majority of my vinyl time listening to thinks like Bowie, the Smiths, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Chameleons or similar.  
Any counsel?   
gunners01
cd318
2,636 posts
 
A Rega P10 v Garrard 401?

Dare I suggest that something is seriously wrong with the whole Rega approach if this is remotely a contest. 

A 2019 design v one from 45/55 years ago? It shouldn't really be a contest, or should it?

My dad had a low level Garrard back in the late 70s and it was a lovely deck indeed. Still, I would like to think that a P10 turntable is very near the state of the art sonically today given its minimalist design.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 
@cd318 Considering many recordings from that period blow away 2019 ones, it's not that improbable!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Mglik.
Would love to see pictures of your Woodsong 301.

Maybe when you get time, you could take some and add a virtual system to your profile?
cd318
2,636 posts
 
noromance,

You know I can remember a time when some (most?) of the British audio press used to lambast decks such as the Garrards and the Technics. It was all Rega/Linn back then in the late 70s/80s.

It’s quite heart-warming to see how things eventually turned out.

I'll always remain suspicious of reviewers who generally do more far harm than good. Their burying of MiniDisc, a fabulous format, was just another crime on their money grubbing hands.





scar972's avatar
scar972
225 posts
 
Gunner
I'm also in the DFW area and running both Garrard 401, Garrard 301, and a TW Acustic belt drive turntable. Both of my Garrard plinths are piano gloss Macassar Ebony stacked ply plinths. I can help with your turntable decision if you're looking to audition or needing opinions. My system is here, take a look and see if you like my set up.
https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/4524

Regarding the 301 sounding better the 401, this is just not true.


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