losthorizon
Well-Known Member
So what is it about the Garrard 301/401 that makes them so good, having had the use of my friends 301 for the last 3 weeks I am still at a loss as to what the fuss is about?
Garrard
- Thread starter losthorizon
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just out of curiosity, what are you comparing it to? That answer might play into it.
at this point I'm convinced every drive system is better than every other one, just wait long enough and someone will make a case for it. For my 2 cents on it, if it runs at stable speed and doesn't impart a bunch of extra noise I don't care how it does it. I do happen to like the looks of those old idler drive broadcast tables.
at this point I'm convinced every drive system is better than every other one, just wait long enough and someone will make a case for it. For my 2 cents on it, if it runs at stable speed and doesn't impart a bunch of extra noise I don't care how it does it. I do happen to like the looks of those old idler drive broadcast tables.
stratokaster
Mental toss flycoon
First of all, these old clunkers are in vogue now, that's why everybody and their aunt want one.
Second, a big Garrard in good nick is a mighty fine turntable. But so are Thorens TD-124, Technics SP10 mk2 and a bunch of other stuff both old and new.
And finally there is something very pure about a high-end turntable that achieves its goals by very simple means. Those Garrards are eternal, there's nothing that can't be fixed if it goes wrong. Many people find this aspect very appealing.
Second, a big Garrard in good nick is a mighty fine turntable. But so are Thorens TD-124, Technics SP10 mk2 and a bunch of other stuff both old and new.
And finally there is something very pure about a high-end turntable that achieves its goals by very simple means. Those Garrards are eternal, there's nothing that can't be fixed if it goes wrong. Many people find this aspect very appealing.
losthorizon
Well-Known Member
Thanks for your replies, I own a Kenwood KD990 and a Thorens TD 160 Mk1 upgraded, and a custom REGA that has a hand made plinth and every upgrade part available inc ceramic bearings, 24v DC motor, TTpsu, Litz wired and foam filled rb250 arm, twin belted pully, 22mm Acyrilic platter, Michel sub platter, but compared to these I found the 301 to be nothing special.
Maybe I was expecting too much?
Maybe I was expecting too much?
losthorizon
Well-Known Member
I was trying to concentrate on the 301 itself as I was made without an arm, yes adding a good quality arm like the SME would make a difference but that would also apply to any transcription turntable.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
A: Better motor. B: Superior drive system. C: Superior build quality to any other Garrard. Built to higher standard than any other Garrard. Built for studio and broadcasting service. And for discerning use by those who wanted the finest available.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Your Rega is nothing special in stock form. Your Kenwood is very nice, the Thorens is equally excellent. I've heard 301 and 401 in top condition, I'd rather own one than any Rega, any Linn, most any Thorens (and I love Thorens, just doesn't work for my needs well), and same goes for any VPI.
losthorizon
Well-Known Member
Thank you for your replies, I see your points and as I stated i needed to know what made them so special and you have told me.
adnick
Addicted Member
How simple they are and how long they last, form and function.....
Have a Garrard Model Ta, it has the same grease spindle and motor as 301/401, just in a simpler package, a very fine little table that still works perfectly after all these years.
There are several other makes from the same era that are worthy of the same praise, I’m always impressed with how well they still work, and/or how easy it is to resurrect them
Regards,
Andy
Have a Garrard Model Ta, it has the same grease spindle and motor as 301/401, just in a simpler package, a very fine little table that still works perfectly after all these years.
There are several other makes from the same era that are worthy of the same praise, I’m always impressed with how well they still work, and/or how easy it is to resurrect them
Regards,
Andy
ConfuciusSay
Active Member
What tonearm and cartridge are you using on the 301? I found my 124 and 301 were synergistic with heavy tonearms and low compliance carts but not as much with some modern carts (especially the 124 that messed with my Benz MC). They also require maintenance - as in either expensive or time consuming - if the one you are listening to hasn't been treated as a finely tuned historical musical instrument it will be more likely to emphasize the negatives of the drive type.
I thought my 124 and 301 both brought exceptional drive and rhythm to the music and somewhat emphasize the mid bass when comparing the same carts to other tables. This makes it very fun to listen to and I think lends itself to most popular types of music. I think this comes at the expense of subtlety so depending on the types of music you listen to you can like it more or less. Both the 124 and 301 are also beautiful examples of classic design.
I personally prefer the more laid back sound of belt drives which can sound less accurate in some ways but sounds more like music to me. They also offer lower noise floor and I think more realistic dynamics. So just because you don't like what everyone else is excited about doesn't mean you are wrong necessarily...
You experience may vary
I thought my 124 and 301 both brought exceptional drive and rhythm to the music and somewhat emphasize the mid bass when comparing the same carts to other tables. This makes it very fun to listen to and I think lends itself to most popular types of music. I think this comes at the expense of subtlety so depending on the types of music you listen to you can like it more or less. Both the 124 and 301 are also beautiful examples of classic design.
I personally prefer the more laid back sound of belt drives which can sound less accurate in some ways but sounds more like music to me. They also offer lower noise floor and I think more realistic dynamics. So just because you don't like what everyone else is excited about doesn't mean you are wrong necessarily...
You experience may vary
I've never heard a 301, but a reviewer (now deceased) whom I've long admired has commented on the sound quality of both his own older and refurbished 301 and the new version recently released. The links below are to the final pages of the two articles, where the actual listening experiences are described, but the entire articles are well worth reading.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-99-page-3
https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-204-new-garrard-301-page-2
