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

@tomic601 Received the photos. Thank you. Audiogon can wait until the fishing season is over. All in good time. 

“350 LPs is roughly 10% of my LP collection”

@lewm

Thanks for sharing your story and I am sorry to hear about your friend.
40+ years; I can only imagine many sought after jewels and personal favorites in your prized collection. You obviously have been at this much longer than that I have…I do not intend to buying every new record even though it’s very hard to resist at times. I’ve been there with cassette’s , CD’s, DVD, Blu-ray’s and 4K discs. For past few years, I’ve been very selective with physical media. Thanks to my streaming system, which is pretty darn good and helps me tremendously to not open my wallet for every new record being released.

Streaming has open doors to so many incredible musicians and their music. Wish there was enough hours in a day to enjoy more music regardless of how we choose to play or listen.

BTW, yesterday was a fun day setting up my new TT. Still long ways to go as far fine-tuning, new challenges as far TT isolation (getting some feedback from subs) but I’m off to good start…Garrard 301, Reed 3P, Etsuro Bordeaux, and Allnic H-6500 appears to have good synergy and potential. 

@noromance @jperry @mdalton @fsonicsmith 

301 is up and running for past 6 days. It does sound pretty darn good with $15K tonearm/cart combo. Love the classic industrial appearance. I am still getting acclimated with its strengths and flaws in stock form and maybe jumping the gun here but I feel this is not a TT that sounds best in its stock form. The inherent vibration or energy from motor and plinth was out of control. I got it tamed for most part by isolating the plinth with IsoAcoustics mini pucks. I realize, a better isolation solution is probably the next step but what can or should do next to eliminate or reduce inherent vibrations. Perhaps, a aftermarket bearing, platter, idler wheel or even a better, denser plinth. 

Appreciate your input. 

Put plinth first on your list that includes platter, bearing, and idler wheel, and I think you’re on the right track.

@lewm

I hear you..sourcing a good plinth wouldn’t be easy as the two outlets I know of wouldn’t sell plinth by itself. I may have to look for alternative TT while I work towards perfecting the 301.