I never heard an idler wheel TT before. I have been using a Sony PS-X50 TT. The Sony is no dog, I take it over Technics 1200MKII. But, to each their own as the Technics is a decent TT.
Now, the Garrard 401 has this ultra solid sense of timing and immediacy. Plus bass seems a little tighter. Reading about the Garrard 401 some warn of rumble issues. I hear zero rumble- nada, nothing. So where that came from? Beats me.
This Garrard is a little more quiet vs the Sony. My Denon DL 301 MKII cartridge is sensitive and ever so slightly picks up some low level noise from the Sony slot-less type motor. It never interfered with music it was low level.
So, lets add up the cost to join this Garrard idler wheel club.
Plinth $575
Jelco 750L $550
Jelco interconnects $110
Garrard 401 $930
Strobe conversion kit (50hz platter) $150
Herbie Platter Mat $75
Garrard $2390 vs Sony PS-X50 $300
Cost vs performance- Sony wins
Pure performance- Garrard way wins this one
Cool factor- Garrard wins
Appearance- Garrard wins by a mile
Would I do it again? Yes. In fact plinth is wrong color (way wrong). I ordered another plinth. I'll follow up with new plinth. (note- no scratches are on plinth or TT, just photo flash reflections.)
Now, the Garrard 401 has this ultra solid sense of timing and immediacy. Plus bass seems a little tighter. Reading about the Garrard 401 some warn of rumble issues. I hear zero rumble- nada, nothing. So where that came from? Beats me.
This Garrard is a little more quiet vs the Sony. My Denon DL 301 MKII cartridge is sensitive and ever so slightly picks up some low level noise from the Sony slot-less type motor. It never interfered with music it was low level.
So, lets add up the cost to join this Garrard idler wheel club.
Plinth $575
Jelco 750L $550
Jelco interconnects $110
Garrard 401 $930
Strobe conversion kit (50hz platter) $150
Herbie Platter Mat $75
Garrard $2390 vs Sony PS-X50 $300
Cost vs performance- Sony wins
Pure performance- Garrard way wins this one
Cool factor- Garrard wins
Appearance- Garrard wins by a mile
Would I do it again? Yes. In fact plinth is wrong color (way wrong). I ordered another plinth. I'll follow up with new plinth. (note- no scratches are on plinth or TT, just photo flash reflections.)
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