Garrard 301 - Project

@lewm 

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. While I can see your point about not all vintage tubes live up to their reputation, I have a different take on trying vintage NOS tubes. Just like anything else in audio, NOS tubes can be easily a misfit in any given application. To @macg19 point, NOS mullard’s performed admirably better in his DAC versus phonostage. 

Whether NOS tubes are worth chasing depends on your goals, system resolution and budget. If your system or a tube component responsive to tube rolling, then it’s totally worthwhile to chase the best possible NOS tubes that can further elevate your emotional connection with music. YOLO! 

@noromance 

I picked up another nice album off Amazon, Ben Webster - Plays Duke Ellington. 

Time for another exciting update: I just came across a rare opportunity to grab Artisan Fidelity’s Statement Saphire Inverted bearing and Aluminum/Mg. alloy platter. I am expecting delivery in 6-8 weeks and can’t wait to install and experience this incredibly impressive and exquisite piece of engineering. Here are the specifications: 

Specifications:

• Aerospace Grade, aged, heat treated, stabilized & tempered Magnesium Aluminum based Alloy + Pure Copper + Multilayered polymer Internally damped high mass oversized platter design for improved flywheel affect and reduced noise floor.

• Hydrodynamic oil bearing Inverted type, Austenitic Stainless steel and polished Hardened steel, certified Grade 5 Sapphire ball, micro contact point and custom made, ground sintered bronze sleeve bushings with low viscosity oil impregnated cavity.

• Austenitic stainless steel thrust cap with advanced military grade Polymer featuring ultra low coefficient of friction and superior dimensional stability.

Also expecting Woodsong Plinth around the same time, which pretty much completes my 301 project.  

@lalitk 

I am excited for you hearing about the platter upgrade. Please post your comments on the platter upgrade. Also, excited to hear about the Windsong plinth. They make a beautiful plinth. Please post system pics when get it and the platter.

It's fun watching your build on the Garrard 301

Jim Perry

Jim @jperry 

I will post my impressions before or after plinth installation. August 2025 will mark two year anniversary since it all started. It’s been fun for sure, learning and understanding the path to classic Garrard 301 customization. 

The trifecta, Audio Grail restored 301, mounted in a Woodsong plinth and upgraded with the Artisan Fidelity inverted bearing and hybrid platter. I am anxious to see how the synergy unfolds with the 301, Woodsong, and Artisan Fidelity upgrades before my next leap into my ultimate cartridge and maybe a phonostage. I believe @noromance pointed here or elsewhere that I need a better phono :-) 

Once everything is dialed in, I should have a clearer picture of how a cartridge like the Etsuro Gold could complement (or potentially overwhelm) the system’s balance.

Synergy Expectation

No Different to counting the winnings when the Horses are still in the Pre Race Parade Paddock.

Looking Beautiful and Fitting for the Job in Hand in only one piece of the equation.   

Whoa! Hold on to your horses