• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Garrard 301 or Thorens TD-124 ? Which do you consider better? Why?

Ohighway

Ohighway

Wannabe Minimalist
The players: Oil bearing Garrard 301 and Thorens TD-124

The Garrard is in great original condition. Was personally looked over by Terry O'Sullivan from Loricraft and deemed fit for service as is, no need for rebuild.

The Thorens is a beauty and was rebuilt by yours truly including installing rebuilt idler, complete motor rebuild, spindle bearing rebuild and new motor suspension bushings.

Based on the above, if you were gonna' keep just one of the two, which would it be, and why?
 
Register to hide this ad
The 301 without a doubt! As you well know, they're both heavy old fashioned idler tables with the unique sound that is only heard with the best of the breed, but IMO the 301 goes a step or two farther if that's what you're looking for. Also, I'm not too fond of the 124's arm board mounting, its separate belt, and its magnetic platter which can be a big problem with many MC cartridges.

In case you haven't guessed, I'm the proud owner of a Loricraft 301;)

Now, I'll sit back with this:lurk: and hopefully enjoy the results of this thread.
 
I have both right now (Garrard in for service, my own 124), so I feel like I can answer.

And the answer? I don't know. I like them both. I'm keeping my Thorens, because it's familiar to me, and I don't want to trade a known good for unknown good. I don't really like change for the sake of change, but the Garrard is a beauty. I do think the Thorens is a touch more refined as a machine, but the Garrard has such a great pedigree, and it's such a demonstration of post war British quality. I am not entirely sure you'll get a consensus here. Which one do you like more?

I'm using my Thorens with a 12" SME arm, and it has an original armboard from the 1960s, which I think doesn't give up anything in terms of appearance. Also, I like the way the arm is rigidly attached to the chassis of the player via the arm board, rather than requiring the plinth to support the arm.

I do believe the Garrard has a stronger motor, but then the Thorens has the sub-platter, which is extremely useful in terms of changing records, and is excellent ergonomically.
 
Ohighway said:
The players: Oil bearing Garrard 301 and Thorens TD-124

The Garrard is in great original condition. Was personally looked over by Terry O'Sullivan from Loricraft and deemed fit for service as is, no need for rebuild.

The Thorens is a beauty and was rebuilt by yours truly including installing rebuilt idler, complete motor rebuild, spindle bearing rebuild and new motor suspension bushings.

Based on the above, if you were gonna' keep just one of the two, which would it be, and why?
Click to expand...
Keep one, do you mean sell a turntable? Sorry does not compute dont understand? Wibble, going to lave a lie down..
Chris
 
My personal preference from an aesthetic perspective is the 124. Has a certain smoothness to it that appeals to my eye. It's rounded edges and simplicity are a look I like. It's well balanced and symmetrical. The 301 carries a less balanced mechanical look. From a functional standpoint you'll not go wrong with either one. Parts are available for both. I think there are more sources for the 124 however. Finally from a value standpoint, I think pricing on these has gone a bit over the top. The value is not what it once was but you can say that about a lot of things and value is in the mind of the buyer. Thanks for allowing me to weigh in.
 
Last edited:
The Thorens for 2 reasons
1. The armboard. I consider the armboard the TD-124's greatest feature for a number of reasons.
a. The three armboard screws can be adjusted till the tonearm's pillar is level with the platter.
b. Swapping tonearm's couldn't be easier. Each tonearm on it's own armboard and it only takes 3 screws to make the swap.

2. The TD-124 is a "hybrid" idler drive. The motor turns the stepped pulley via a taut belt. The idler wheel therefore does not directly contact the motor's shaft which reduces a source of rumble.

I had a 301 and now I have a TD124. The 301 is with a friend and it "roars" compared to my TD124.

They're both great turntables each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

I also think "it don't get much more classic looking" than the TD-124.1544666915638350329331.jpg
 
Just pick IMG_4071.JPG a long wall as things can get out of hand.. This is a while ago, since more amps and SP10mk2 now has the Eminent technology air arm and it has a Hadcock. Not all the team are in the picture either, just out of shot is my Commonwealth in a 32kg black bean plinth :):)
 
MRL_Audio said:
What's that beast in the middle? I have seen that before but can't recall the manufacturer. Hard to find in the US, I recall that.
Click to expand...
The one in the middle is an Orpheus Silex in a plinth I made with an Eminent Technology arm. It is both idler and belt and it sounds amazing. Now it has a Hadcock on it and my 881 lives on it which seems to be a perfect match.
Chris
 
The Orpheus was the first fully floating chassis made contrary to popular belief. It dates from early 50's AR got the patent but Orpheus did it years earlier. I bought mine as I was curious but love it now, it is mint like new. Speed can be fettled by twisting the lift up speed knob.
Chris
 
I have a TD-124 and it's glorious, but I would like to pick up a 301 at some point to experience that pure idler sound (I like the aesthetics of the early Rek-O-Kuts and Russcos, etc, so I dig the "mechanical" vibe of the 301...) Wish I could've been a player for one of the 301s at the big McIntosh hoarder auction in CT, but it just wasn't in the cards right now. Did anyone else have any luck?
 
MRL_Audio said:
cafe latte - gotta get me one of those. Just a beautiful and unique table.
Click to expand...
You used to be able to pick them up really cheap, mine was 220 dollars I think from memory. That said I could not find a single one for sale looking today so likely prices have risen. If you do see one cheap they are worth snapping up they look cool and they really perform too.
Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom