Any experience with these turntables?

As for which table will be in need of the MOST TLC, that’s the Garrard Zero 100. That tonearm only works well if it’s in absolute first rate condition! Any stiction, any binding, any wear, any damage, and it will malfunction! If you are very mechanically inclined, you can make it a nice table. But if you aren’t, it’s a huge PITA! After the arm, the rest is average at best build quality.

Me? Hands down, I’d go with the AR. It’s a Legacy table that is valued and sought after. And for good reason. It’s well made in all the right ways. The Marantz? Meh. The Sansui? Meh. Both of the latter are nothing to write home about. Pretty much dime-a-dozen tables.

The AR is the best sounding TT here! Even with its clunky stock arm! I have one in my collection - nicely restored and modded by VinylNirvana. The stock arm tube was replaced with a Technics, removable headshell and new wiring. Dynamat damping applied under the platter and inside the plinth. Automotive red lacquer finish on the plinth.

The AR turntable has the best sound but it is ancient history.Enjoy!!

Don’t  bother with the Garrard. It is a cheap plastic table with an even cheaper plastic arm.  I used to sell the Zero100C back in the 70’s. Brand new they were junk, the sliders on the arm jammed up constantly and we got at least half of them returned as defective.   We dumped the Garrard. line because of that.  I don’t usually agree with millercarbon but in this case, I do 100%. 

Again thanks guys. I look to the turntable experts here and have not been disappointed. Effischer, great hearing from you and I do trust your opinion. I might just try the Sansui and AR when my buddy gets around to working on them. I don’t think he would mind a test run on my end, since we already did some business together. Frankly, the only Garrard I would ever try is the 301, but I don’t know how transcription tables fair nowadays with DD and belt tables. If I went with the AR, I would mount another tonearm and cart on it.