Time for another exciting update: I just came across a rare opportunity to grab Artisan Fidelity’s Statement Saphire Inverted bearing and Aluminum/Mg. alloy platter. I am expecting delivery in 6-8 weeks and can’t wait to install and experience this incredibly impressive and exquisite piece of engineering. Here are the specifications:
Specifications:
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Aerospace Grade, aged, heat treated, stabilized & tempered Magnesium Aluminum based Alloy + Pure Copper + Multilayered polymer Internally damped high mass oversized platter design for improved flywheel affect and reduced noise floor.
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Hydrodynamic oil bearing Inverted type, Austenitic Stainless steel and polished Hardened steel, certified Grade 5 Sapphire ball, micro contact point and custom made, ground sintered bronze sleeve bushings with low viscosity oil impregnated cavity.
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Austenitic stainless steel thrust cap with advanced military grade Polymer featuring ultra low coefficient of friction and superior dimensional stability.
Also expecting Woodsong Plinth around the same time, which pretty much completes my 301 project.
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Jim @jperry
I will post my impressions before or after plinth installation. August 2025 will mark two year anniversary since it all started. It’s been fun for sure, learning and understanding the path to classic Garrard 301 customization.
The trifecta, Audio Grail restored 301, mounted in a Woodsong plinth and upgraded with the Artisan Fidelity inverted bearing and hybrid platter. I am anxious to see how the synergy unfolds with the 301, Woodsong, and Artisan Fidelity upgrades before my next leap into my ultimate cartridge and maybe a phonostage. I believe @noromance pointed here or elsewhere that I need a better phono :-)
Once everything is dialed in, I should have a clearer picture of how a cartridge like the Etsuro Gold could complement (or potentially overwhelm) the system’s balance.
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@noromance
Thanks, my tone arm is Reed 3P - 10.5” with Cocobolo arm wand.
@fsonicsmith
I thought about aftermarket bearing and platter but my dealer suggested that I should hear ‘stock’ 301 first and then start tweaking the TT with aftermarket parts. The upgrade like bearing appears to be a no brainer. I do not know at this time how much a platter would enhance the performance. Is Dobbins platter still available or is it pretty much unobtainable?
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“Looking Beautiful and Fitting for the Job in Hand in only one piece of the equation”
@pindac
Haha—fair point! I may be admiring the shine on the thoroughbred before it is even left the paddock. But with this bloodline of components, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic it’ll be more Secretariat than show pony 🎶
Let’s see how she runs once the stylus hits the track!
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@larryi
I agree. There is a good reason why Garrard 301 / 401 and Thorens 124 still holds its place among vinyl enthusiasts. With the right restoration and modern touches, these vintage workhorses don’t just hold their own—they sing. I could have a very nice turntable for the money + love poured into tweaking my Garrard 301 BUT there is something about these idler tables beyond the vintage appearance. They have an innate energy and drive that many belt drives struggle to replicate, and when combined with precise modern tracking and isolation, the result can be breathtakingly musical.
I am absolutely enjoying the Garrard 301’s tactile, propulsive quality not to mention its uncanny ability to convey notes with sheer liveliness and soul.
PS: Thanks for sharing your recommendation on Wheaton Triplanar arm. I am still pondering on my choices for 2nd tonearm :-)
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Jim @jperry
Thank you for your recommendation on PS. I am familiar with your fine system and may have conversed with you in the past. How about this for coincidence, I used to own SME 15AV with Hana Umami Red cart 😊
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@mdalton, @fsonicsmith, @noromance
Thank you for the great insight on your journey and for sharing your collective experiences with Garrard 301 / 401. This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to read! I did initiate the purchase of a Garrard 301 with full restoration, finished in Sable (black). The ETA is 4-6 weeks.
As far plinth goes, I had the same vendor in mind on eBay as @elliottbnewcombjr linked above. Based on what I’ve learned here, I am going to query the plinth maker about the manufacturing process, materials and footers. I plan to experiment with the footers and eventually decouple TT with a SRA Isolation base atop my excellent core audio design rack.
As far cart options, I am taking notes on all the recommendations so far. Three extra head shells are already in-house with Reed 3P tonearm :-)
Hopefully, Garrard 301 ends being my end game TT!
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@fsonicsmith @noromance
Thank you both for continuing to provide valuable insights on Garrard TT. I couldn’t agree with you anymore on exploiting the strengths of Garrard 301 or 401. That’s what my dealer has recommended, to start off with 301 fully restored to its original parts with a decent plinth. I would like to get a basic understanding of a Garrard TT sound before I start tempering with aftermarket bearing, platter and so on. I still need to figure out cart and phono options..lol!
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Any thoughts on record clamp/weight? I looked at Dalby’s ….way out of my price range.
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@noromance
I hear you! My last TT (SME) had threaded record weight so I didn’t try listening without it. This is one of the areas I would like to see if it makes any difference! I do see reasonably priced options on Amazon, so thank you for that.
Do you feel the same way about mats?
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@noromance
As far as mat goes, I got my eye on Stein Music’s Carbon Signature. Time will tell if I this mat further improves my vinyl playback.
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@noromance
Sorry I couldn’t help thinking of Beavis and Butt-Head after reading the comments by kcin & ddk 🤣
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Update: Plinth has been ordered and it comes with M6 threaded nuts, no feet. I got one recommendation so far for Stillpoints footers. Are there any other footers that I should consider that would help decouple and drain any unwanted energy. I would love to install the TT on a wall mounted shelf but that is not an option.
I am also considering Seismic Pods from Townshend Audio. Any other suggestions are welcomed!
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@jperry
Thank you for the recommendation. I haven’t thought of height clearance if I ever go down the route of replacing the bearing.
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@jperry
That Shindo bearing looks amazing! Do you recommend the Shindo bearing + platter upgrade. And does one still need a mat with Shindo platter.
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Update: Just picked up Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum after hearing the news on Koetsu closing their doors for good!
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“I’m inferring from the sable color that you are buying your 301 from Matthew Taylor. ”
@noromance
Correct. As per my dealer, I am getting a fully restored 301. I entrusted my dealer for this project. He has helped shaped my system for past 5 years. He has been nothing short of a blessing in my journey to achieve an exemplary listening experience.
As far as plinth goes, I went with Piano Walnut Burl finish. I tried to post the link but got blocked. If you scroll up, @elliottbnewcombjr posted a link to the eBay seller.
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@tomic601
Congratulations on Koetsu Urushi Black. That’s a beautiful cart! As Koetsu being no longer made, I approached my purchase for the history and the legacy. Thought long and hard about one of the stone bodies cart but couldn’t quite extend the budget. I believe, Rosewood Sig. Platimum holds the sweet spot in Koetsu hierarchy.
Thanks for your recommendation on book (already ordered through Amazon) and footers. Speaking of mats, check out Torque’s CU2900 Copper Mat.
@elliottbnewcombjr
Great suggestion on dust cover. I went with 2 arms plinth version. The communication was bit of a challenge due language barrier, I can ask for “extra” width but that may not be possible as they start the work on plinth right away.
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“Something I would strongly consider first is just the upgraded bearing and the stock platter. The sound is so damned fun that way. Lively, dynamic, toe-tapping fun. ”
👍
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@psf4972
I finally got around to checkout your beautiful system. One question on independent arm base, any challenges or advantages you could share would be appreciated.
@elliottbnewcombjr
Appreciate your input on feets and dust cover. I am exploring my options. Lot of it will come down to what I end up selecting to rest my TT. A solution from SRA or HRX may negate the importance of high quality feet. First order of business will be to rest TT on my core audio rack and Slim Cerabase feet (already in-house).
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@elliottbnewcombjr
The 2nd arm option is low priority for me. It’s nice to have that option in case I decided to sell the TT down the road. For flexibility, I ordered 3 extra headshells so I can switch out carts on the fly 😊
I am starting out with Konus Audio Vinyle 3000MC phono which is immune to cart output. For comparison, I plan to bring Tron Convergence Phono Stage. I was very impressed by Konus phono in a sub $75K system last year at AXPONA.
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@jperry
Thank you for your recommendation. Interestingly, Helox was also suggested by Artisan Fidelity.
@noromance
I hear you, I guess it’s a fine balance. Just like any other tweak, sometimes the cure can be worse than the disease.
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@larryi
Thank you for your recommendation. I will be slowly setting up cart trials in next 3-5 months. TT and Tonearm is here and now waiting on plinth. Pics are uploaded in my virtual system…so far both TT and Tonearm has surpassed my expectations. Visually stunning and extremely good build quality!
https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092
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Update: Garrard 301 expected to be here this week. Is there a maximum recommended length for IC between phono and Integrated? I may end up needing a 4M ~ 5M single ended Interconnects for a preferred placement.
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@tomic601
I hear you..those are all legitimate concerns when employing a long single ended interconnects. I am going to experiment with long and short IC’s and report back.
@larryi
Thanks for your recommendation. The tonearm is Reed 3P, let’s see what cartridge I end up preferring the most. I got my wish list of cartridges 😊
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@fsonicsmith
I am still learning about 301 and long ways from the finish line. Why my TT came with 401 strobe platter, no idea. I can ask but It’s not important since I never heard a 301 before with a regular platter. I am hoping to establish a baseline with what I’ve got before I go crazy with available upgrade options including outboard PS. I pretty much asked my dealer to resource a high quality 301 rebuilt. Based on initial visual inspection, I am very pleased with the rebuilt by Grail Audio in UK
Thanks for heads up on 3P mounting, really appreciate it. As far mounting 3P, my dealer will be here to help with TT setup. I’ve asked for 3 arm boards, one specifically pre-drilled for 3P. The plinth pics are uploaded in my virtual system.
I wanted this to be fun and a very special project. Something, I could possibly treasure and enjoy for years to come. With all the invaluable feedback from each one of you, I am feeling pretty confident….so keep it coming!
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@dover
You’re spot on about strobe platter surface..I just conducted a ceramic ball test and the ball rolled over towards the center of the platter from its top edge. This is a good piece of info as I was considering a copper mat down the road. Thank you!
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@fsonicsmith
No worries, we all sharing what we know. And see, that would be a great book to own and read. Speaking of strobe light, I did find this option other day,
My wish list keeps growing every day..lol!
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@jperry
How tedious it is to replace spindle once TT is fully assembled (still waiting on plinth). More specifically, will I need to flip the TT upside down? I am considering Classic HiFi updated oiled brass spindle. I’m also torn between the two platter options, they both share similar traits in built i.e. aluminum grade, central bush and base are increased to give more mass to reduce the spindle noise. Would love to hear your take,
1) Shindo Style Upgraded Platter vs
2) Aluminium Platter std size but 3mm thicker finished in Satin Black
@mdalton
I am still searching for isolation feet, are you by any chance using Track Audio isolation feet’s?
Thank you!
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@mdalton
Thank you. I have used Gaia’s under my B&W 800D2..good stuff.
@dover
Thank you for chiming in….you have given me lot of insight to digest and I really appreciate it. For starters, I am considering a mat from Herbie’s that is made from open-cell silicone foam so I should be ok with slightly concave platter. The other mat under consideration is Stein Music Carbon Signature.
The 3mm CTC platter is what I had in mind along with their updated Brass Spindle. And thank you for sharing your experience on replacing the spindle…I thought it would be bit cumbersome to tackle this job once motor and tonearm is mounted so I wanted to see if I should do this upgrade now and be done with it 😊
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@mdalton
Thank you for the endorsement on Herbie’s mat. I received a bare platter so I need to start somewhere; given reasonable cost of the Herbie’s mat, I said why not. I have bought Herbie’s products in the past and they offer good value and performance. I will read up on the review!
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@mdalton
Thanks for sharing. I was considering Herbie’s Way Excellent II 4mm thick, 280mm (diameter). The 301 strobe platter is 11-3/4” which roughly translates to 279.4mm. Does your matt over hangs the platter? This is bit confusing as Herbie’s recommends the following,
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. For tables using an 11.5" mat like Technics SP10, SL-1300, and bevelled-platter Garrard turntables.Great for Luxman PD–series turntables.
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@mdalton
Thank you for the clarification. I think I know where to go from here.
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@mdalton
Thanks for catching my mis-calculation. I went ahead and placed an order - 4mm / thick, 295mm full-size.
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Update: Herbie’s Matt is here. I am impressed by high quality finish and quick delivery. And 295mm turned out to be perfect size (pics posted on my virtual system).
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Moving on, I would like to hear from some of the Garrard 301/401 owners on record weight / clamp they found to be complementary. Since I am going with Artisan Fidelity’s hybrid platter + Saphire bearing, their very own Aluminum Record Clamp will be part of my listening test. The other one I’m considering is Combak TU‑812MX. Ideally, the clamp or record weight must be less than 16oz or 450 grams.
I would like to have all the recommended clamps on hand once the upgraded platter and sapphire bearing are installed, so I can properly assess which one has the best synergy with the system. I plan to keep the one that suits my listening preferences most consistently.
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Does anyone have any direct experience with Massif Audio record weight? Exquisite wood work for sure, would love to hear your one on one experience.
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@noromance
Good observation! It appears so…my thought process with 301 rebuilt was to keep the tweaks for later stage. I want to hear 301 in its very basic built before tweaking or upgrading to available premium parts like idler, spindle or platter etc etc. I should have everything up and running by Labor Day weekend.
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Thank you both for clarifying. I am kinda stuck with FI-03 IEC as other IEC will not fit. Am empty fuse box feels strange, may be I can use one of those Graphene Sluggo’s @gladmo been raving about…lol!
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@noromance @mdalton @jperry @fsonicsmith
I have received my plinth and it came with a generic IEC with an integrated 5X20mm fuse holder. I look around and didn’t find any fuse value on Garrard’s. Are you using a fuse with your Garrard? If yes, may I know the fuse value? I am going to replace the cheap IEC with Furutech FI-03 Gold IEC.
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Update: The last missing piece of the puzzle is sorted out. Just ordered Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux cart. I will be comparing this cart with Fuuga. Rest of the chain,
Garrard 301 ➡️ Reed 3P ➡️ Bordeaux / Fuuga ➡️ Allnic H-6500 ➡️ Accuphase E-650 ➡️ Tannoy’s Canterbury.
Can’t wait to start spinning records again :-)
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@noromance
Of course I am psyched about adding TT back into my existing rig. Stay tuned for further updates and thanks for joining me on my journey :-)
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Update: Spent last couple of days unboxing / learning about Reed 3P tonearm. It’s a beautiful piece of artwork, well engineered and if I may say so; compliments the iconic Garrard 301 handsomely. The Reed 3P paired with the Garrard 301 is a perfect blend of classic and modern craftsmanship, IMHO.
And, there is Etsuro Bordeaux, EXQUISITE in every conceivable way.
Can’t wait to see how sum of all the pieces above translates transforms my listening experience!
@noromance
How did you catalog your vinyl collection? I just ordered a flip style bin storage and record dividers for my modest collection. I haven’t quite figured out yet if i should organize records alphabetically by artist, categories or by genre. Dividers have blank tabs and I easily print labels and affix on divider tabs 😊
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@noromance
I had library style store all along, switching to Flip’ style display bins made life bit easier to store and find a record. You were of course the source of inspiration behind my switch.
I searched a lot and finally found a reseller on Etsy that sells flip style record storage + space for RCM at reasonable price.
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