Source for Garrard 301 plinth (and other 301 questions)

@dcindc plinths for idler wheel turntables require some thought put into their design if you are interested in wrestling the best performance out of your deck. Why? Because these decks (301/401, TD-124, various Lenco models) transmit energy differently than belt or direct drive turntables. I would divide the world of idler wheel plinths into heavy and lightweight. I've had good success with both but I suggest skipping the very heavy obsidian or rock plinths. It's possible to completely isolate the deck from the plinth but it's really hard and that outweighs the benefits IMO.

Chris Harban makes some great plinths - Woodsong Audio. The best plinth I ever had for a TD-124 was one I make from stacked and glued 1/2" marine plywood, carefully braced and damped in key locations. It was a fun weekend project but my wife didn't like the utilitarian look.

As @br3098 states above, this guy's work looks really good. Not sure on pricing but ...

... the $50 for a 30-minute consultation would be a bit of a red flag for me (e.g. "Need help deciding which turntable is best for you?"). Surely advice leading to a potential purchase does not need to be charged. If the conversation is about DIY there are other means of dealing with that.

Thanks for all the great replies. I wish I had the tools to make a plinth myself, but since I don't I think I'll just save up to buy one. I'm not seeing anything much cheaper than $1,000, so it might take a while. Is anyone aware of a source for nice plinths that are less expensive than that?

Just for your amusement (since I assume people who read these forums find this as interesting as I do), the table is sitting in a walnut console, mounted on a 1-inch thick walnut board. It has a Rek-O-Kut S120 tonearm, and I mounted a Shure SC35C that I had available. Even in that state, it sounds fantastic. 

All I've done to it at this point is add a drop of oil to the idler wheel bearing, a few drops of oil for the top of the motor and the spindle bearing, and oil the felt washer. 

I'm planning to mount an SME 3009 II with Shure V15III (SAS stylus) as soon as I get a plinth (or maybe in the current board for now). That's about what my budget allows at this point.

Short of sending it off for a full refresh, any other recommendations for what I should do to get the best out of it for now? 

Thanks again for all your help!

Send Anwesh on LH a PM, the Board is able to be Precision Rebated for you.

A High Grade Sanding will bring this very hard Wood Board to a attractive Patina, a thin coat of a Varnish will finish it to a very attractive aesthetic.

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=42484.0