401 birch or slate?

Panzerholz? Looks like a lot of hassle.

Looks like I'll have to import a slate plinth from the UK. Not much interest on this side of the pond and PA-based Oswald Mills start at a ludicrous $5000. 

Thanks @dover . This is very good stuff. I’ll look into the AF idler wheel for my birthday! Looks like I will go with slate. I have found a source in the US.
Not sure if I should open a new post but...If using slate, should I use an arm-board or mount on the plinth?

I went with slate. See my Virtual Systems entry for update.

@dover  You said "Idler wheel from Artisan Fidelity - this added a significant level of refinement, particularly in the high end"

Could you kindly elaborate in a bit more detail what you mean? I'm tempted to get this wheel. I notice there is another offering from Audiosilente in Italy for 1/4 of the price. Thanks.

Thank you. Was it difficult to fit? Do you use the original bushes? As you know, my new 401 is also an AG version. Early flat window, twin spark.

@dover Spoke to Matthew at AG who recommended the AS version so I ordered one for the AG/slate 401. If it makes an improvement, I’ll consider the AF one and move the AS version to my birch-ply 401. Thanks and good luck with the 301.

@dover Also replaced platter and bearing which have transformed the table. This is NOT your dad's old Garrard in a ply box!

@dover Revisiting this thread. I ended up acting on your advice shortly after these posts. Initially went with the AS idler and then got the AF one. Improvements above as noted. 

@dover Love hearing about your endeavors. The brass kit looks serious along with the price. Shaun D. at Peak HiFi told me the brass lends a warmer and more organic sound. I'm happy with the aluminium but would like to try the stainless steel. 

the 301 is more rube goldberg.

So much so a family member threw one away thinking it was some old junk.

I have a virgin AG 401 flat strobe in a box and not sure what I want to do with it. Use it upstairs in a small plinth with a 9" arm for background music, or build another 12" and load it up with the good stuff. What type of plinth? Panzer, bamboo, quartz, slate, open skeletal etc?

@tomic601 A man of your means and sonic acumen should truly consider a refurbished one. 

@boxer12  Thanks!

It will be interesting to try the slightly bigger and heavier PAC platter that's on order over the SMD one on it currently.
PAC - 317mm +900grams
SMD - 304mm +420 grams

@fsonicsmith Thanks for your comment. I have both a layered birch ply with 1/2" walnut top plinth and a 50mm Pennsylvania slate plinth. I like both but the slate is better on the retrieval of the finest detail.