Lew, idler wheel size does not impact speed. The ratio of pulley to platter is all that matters. The speed of the idler changes but the other two stay the same.
Audiosilente idler wheel versus Artisan Fidelity idler wheel for a Garraed 401
Greetings,
I am considering upgrading to a new idler wheel for my Garrard 401. Reviews on forums seem to agree that there is a noticeable improvement in sound achieved. There are two possibilities that I am considering.
The Audiosilente idler wheel is US$365
Artisan Fidelity is approx. Euros 100.
I ma wondering if anyone has any commentary are experience which of these two may offer the greatest improvements. I am certainly interested in an improvement in dynamics and everything else that is possible!
Artisan Fidelity https://www.artisanfidelity.com/accessories/garrard-301-precision-idler-wheel
http://www.audiosilente.com/garrard-401-idler-wheel-garrard-401.html
Any commentary would be most welcome.
Thank you,
I am considering upgrading to a new idler wheel for my Garrard 401. Reviews on forums seem to agree that there is a noticeable improvement in sound achieved. There are two possibilities that I am considering.
The Audiosilente idler wheel is US$365
Artisan Fidelity is approx. Euros 100.
I ma wondering if anyone has any commentary are experience which of these two may offer the greatest improvements. I am certainly interested in an improvement in dynamics and everything else that is possible!
Artisan Fidelity https://www.artisanfidelity.com/accessories/garrard-301-precision-idler-wheel
Material - Austenitic Stainless Steel CNC machined case hardened CNC ground inner coupling pin, near true zero measured radial run-out. State-of-the-Art CNC/CAM Machining achieves ultra close tolerances and accurate concentric form. Heavy weight enhances flywheel effect.Periphery Outer Drive Material - Concentric, Molded Seamless Rubber based Composite, precision CNC ground, near zero measured axial run-out. Manufactured as direct OEM Garrard 301 Schedule I & II / Garrard 401 / Garrard 501 Model replacement part.
The Audiosilent is aluminum with a square rubber outside ring.http://www.audiosilente.com/garrard-401-idler-wheel-garrard-401.html
Any commentary would be most welcome.
Thank you,
Showing 13 responses by noromance
If you know how to take the motor apart to lube the lower bearing, it can’t hurt having a replacement bearing on hand. If the table is used and new to you, figure on doing the above as a matter of essential maintenance. The most difficult and real PITA bearing in the 301/401 is the lower idler bearing. Be real careful working on it when you swap the new AS in. If the lower spindle is wobbling in the bushing, you will have real bad sound. Replacing the bushing requires some skill and tooling. |
If the idler wheel is normally say 2" in diameter, and there is no allowance for the idler to move closer to the platter if it is reduced in diameter by say one millimeter, it will exert less force on the inner platter contact point. What effect does that force have? Maybe additional damping causing a loss in information or conversely ringing making it appear there are better dynamics? Perhaps the additional pressure exerts an asymmetric force on the bearing and it’s reduction reduces the transmission of bearing noise. |
I never got around to the AF review mostly because I wasn't blown away by the difference. Replacing the AS with the AF brought some additional weight and blackness to the soundscape - a good thing and worth the expense of $400 shipped. The AS gives 90% of the AF. I can recommend the AS 100% and I believe AudioGrail now fit them on refurbished Garrards. Note that I had to sandpaper the spindle shaft thickness to get the AF to fit while the AS fit exactly from the box. (AF Chris provided detailed instructions on this by immediate email so not a biggie) |
Here is a link to when I fitted the AS idler. |