Garrard 301 - Project


I have been contemplating for a while which turntable to pursue given so many choices. Every time I look around, I just can’t help drooling over a fully restored Garrard 301 or 401. Aside from being an idler-drive, I keep reading and hearing about their unique ability to reproduce music with its sense of drive and impact thus making them very desirable to own. And with available meticulous restoration services and gorgeous plinth options, what’s not to like, right!

Would you please share your experience, good and pitfalls (if any) with a restored Garrard 301 to avoid before I go down this path.

And what about the IEC inlet and power cord, would they be of any significance. My two choices would be Furutech FI-09 NCF or FI-06 (G) inlets.

I have already purchased a Reed 3P Cocobolo 10.5” with Finewire C37+Cryo tonearm/interconnect phono cable with KLEI RCA plugs option.

Still exploring Cart Options, so please feel free to share your choice of cart with Garrard 301 or 401.

And lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to @fsonicsmith, @noromance ​​​​@mdalton for the inspiration.

128x128lalitk

Any thoughts on record clamp/weight? I looked at Dalby’s ….way out of my price range.

 

@lalitk Possibly predictably, I’m not a fan of damping or locking things down. Listening without sounds more open and free. You can buy a reasonable device on Amazon for $27 which looks great but doesn’t add anything. I know. It’s in the graveyard. PS Jeff's a great guy. 

@noromance

I hear you! My last TT (SME) had threaded record weight so I didn’t try listening without it. This is one of the areas I would like to see if it makes any difference! I do see reasonably priced options on Amazon, so thank you for that.

Do you feel the same way about mats? 

@lalitk Yes. I don't use any. I used to use a 10" record with acceptable results. The best I've heard was a thin, soft, vinyl-type compound used in @slaw MyMat. However, it's worth experimenting. I did not like graphite or copper. Forget cork. 

Do you feel the same way about mats?

@noromance

As far as mat goes, I got my eye on Stein Music’s Carbon Signature. Time will tell if I this mat further improves my vinyl playback.