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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
lewm
12,939 posts
 

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

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,388 posts
 

@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.

lewm
12,939 posts
 

In retrospect, I think my advice was rash, as I have no experience with Garrard or with the plinth you did acquire. I can only claim intimate knowledge with Lenco GL75. ( And for the Lenco I made the ridiculous choice of slate for the plinth.) Several others who have contributed to this thread can offer better Garrard advice than I. One point that may be cogent: I believe you’re not using an outboard PS at present. Even if speed is constant under load, a good outboard PS can reduce noise by permitting the TT to maintain speed at lower voltage. Beyond that, the Phoenix Engineering gear offers a feedback mechanism that also helps, albeit the PE stuff may not be compatible with your induction type motor. It works superbly with the Lenco motor, I can attest.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
458 posts
 

301 restoration

I’ve attached a link to the standard steps Woodsong Audio follows for their restorations.  That and their plinth is what I have for my 401.  I also have the 401 on a wall-mounted cabinet.  No feedback or noise - but also no subwoofer…

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,388 posts
 

@mdalton 

From what I can see, Audio Grail rebuilt is on par with Woodsong. I think the biggest differentiator between your 401 is high quality plinth + feet and then wall mounting + no subs. The way I see my options moving forward; order another 301 rebuilt or continue to tweak 301 on hand. 

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