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I know this an old topic...but Tonearm for Garrard 301 :)

Building up a Garrard 301.  Plinth is being built by Lee at Acoustand in UK.   

Need a tonearm. Fell in love with the Schick 12", but understand there is a 6+month backlog.  (anyone aware of the actual backlog?)

I'm willing to plunge and wait for the Schick, but would like to know from this fantastic community what I might consider as an alternative with no backlog.

Anyone recommend the new SME's?  

Thanks!! Mike in Houston

heightsmike
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lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,526 posts
 

+1, @glennewdick

@heightsmike

I am on similar journey as you and awaiting my plinth from DasAcoustics. I almost went with skeletal plinth. You can look at my Garrard 301 project by clicking the link below and last two thread related to Garrard 301 and Cart/Phono/SUT options.
https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

Check out Viv Lab Rigid Float Tonearm, 

https://www.sierrasound.net/viv-lab

I am expecting to have my 301 running around Labor Day weekend. You’re welcome to stop by anytime after that!

dtorc
42 posts
 

I have been using a Pete Riggle 12" SPU tonearm on my Thorens 124. for the last five years, I use it with three different SPU cartridges, and I really love what it gives me. A rich, full platform, superior when compared to both an old SME and a new Jelco. There are reviews with comparisons to some other contemporary tonearms. It uses a thread bearing and is adjustable in almost every parameter, most of the time on the fly. 

It may be worth looking into:

https://vtaf.com/woody-spu-tonearm.html#/

heightsmike OP
2 posts
 

Thanks everyone!!  

I've got a call into Pete Riggle - the Woody is very intriguing and I love the look paired with the Ortofon SPU.  Man that looks awesome...and the reviews seem to back it all up. Additionally, Pete looks like a great guy who loves what he does...that's always important to me when I make a purchase. I can't imagine he'd have a 4 month wait for a tonearm if they were not good.

Also talked to Steve at VAS in Cliffwood, NJ.  Friend of mine swears by Steve and his wizardry.  

I will be keeping an open mind on this journey.  @lalitk I also talked to DAS, I hope you love your plinth...looks like his work is very good!  I opted for Lee at Acoustand in the UK and I should have my plinth in production once I tell him the tonearm choice. 

Thanks again everyone!   Mike

larryi
4,014 posts
 

What cartridge are you considering?  The important match is between the cartridge and the arm.  A local dealer does a lot of refurbishing of 301, 401 and Thorens 124 tables.  He primarily used Ortofon tonearms and Koetsu cartridges. Koetsu went out of business so I don't know what cartridge he will now be recommending, and Ortofon sourced its tonearms from Jelco which also went out of business.  This dealer said that the new source of Ortofon arms (also Japanese) is quite good, but, I don't know what cartridge he will be recommending when his stock of Koetsus runs dry.

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