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Best Tonearm and Cartridge for 4K or under for restored Garrard 301

I have a good set up for digital audio and would like to venture into analog audio. My digital set up is
Cary DMS600 -> Cary SLP05 -> Cary CAD211FE -> KEF Blade. I love the sound!

My first and only TT is a Thorens TD126 with TP16 tonearm and TMC60 MC -> PPA990 and phono stage is Cary PH302.

I bough an old Garrard 301. Planning to get it restored by Jim Campbell. Have a slate plinth. Now I am looking for a tonearm and cartridge that will justify my set up. I am thinking 4K. I could go lower or higher depending on the feedback, cost/value. I am looking for a good bargain. If I don't like it, I can easily sell it without much loss. I listen to classical, jazz, rock, indian music. 

I have never setup a tonearm before. But I looked extensively on the internet and Michael Fremer's how to set up videos. I understand all the different angles, VTA, SRA, Azimuth, Zenith. 

Looks like Michael likes Kuzma 4PT, I liked his review of the tonearm.
I am also looking at linear trackers like Transfi Terminator.
Woody, Triplaner Mk VII, SME 3012R, SME 312, Ortofon RS 309D, Dynavector DV 505/ 507, Reed 3P, Stogi reference, FR 64S, FR 64 FX, Sumiko 800.

kanchi647

Showing 8 responses by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
@kanchi647 I have two Jim Campbell plinths. Slate and birch-ply. Both AudioGrail 401 tables. One early twin spark, the other later.
Look at my system in my profile. Go with 12" tonearms. Make sure you replace the idler with an AudioSilente one and look to replacing the bearing with a SPH. I’ve also replaced the platter. All this has brought the performance to a level unrecognizable from the original.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
I second @fsonicsmith comment about refurbishment. A full strip down and rebuild is the way to go. check out Matt Taylor of AudioGrail.

On the slate vs wood... while I have 401s not 301s, my experience may be helpful. I found the slate to have a little more glare than the wood plinth. That is, until I put the slate on 3" maple. The slate plinth is amazing at extracting detail and dynamics. The wood plinth a little less so. And because it’s wood, there is a somewhat woody tone compared to the slate. Go with the slate if you want to extract as much info as possible. Ask Jim what he thinks. Note that my slate version has considerable mods as outlined above. Nevertheless, I've been on this ride for a few years now, starting with an old dirty 401 for $700 to  what I have today.  
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
@fsonicsmith Lovely system. 

@kanchi647 The Precision Audio Components platter is aluminum from CTC.
https://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/product/aluminium-platter-20mm-over-sized-satin-black-finish/

The SPH grease bearing is from sphBearing@gmail.com. Subject to availability. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
Just get the SPH. However you should listen and understand the 301 sound with the original bearing first if you can. After a few weeks, swap the bearing. It’s a 15 minute job. Leave run for 6 hours. Then listen to your reference record. Be prepared to be amazed. The same with the idler. It's a blast. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
The 301/401 oil bearings are interchangeable. I'd check with Sien on specific compatibility to be certain. I think he has a video but it seems to be private. The bearing is taller so keep that in mind. With the platter removed, you just need to remove 3 bolts to change the bearing. No need to overtighten. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
@kanchi647 Congrats on the PRW arm. An interesting choice. The 103r version has purer and lighter wire. It's a no- brainer. You might also look at the Zu version.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
^ This thread just got even better. ;-)

I can't wait to see the OP's final table. It's definitely going to be one of the more unusual interpretations of a Garrard build.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 

@kanchi647 

Did you get the 401 sorted? It's been a while. Hope all is well.
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