Garrard 301 - Project


I have been contemplating for a while which turntable to pursue given so many choices. Every time I look around, I just can’t help drooling over a fully restored Garrard 301 or 401. Aside from being an idler-drive, I keep reading and hearing about their unique ability to reproduce music with its sense of drive and impact thus making them very desirable to own. And with available meticulous restoration services and gorgeous plinth options, what’s not to like, right!

Would you please share your experience, good and pitfalls (if any) with a restored Garrard 301 to avoid before I go down this path.

And what about the IEC inlet and power cord, would they be of any significance. My two choices would be Furutech FI-09 NCF or FI-06 (G) inlets.

I have already purchased a Reed 3P Cocobolo 10.5” with Finewire C37+Cryo tonearm/interconnect phono cable with KLEI RCA plugs option.

Still exploring Cart Options, so please feel free to share your choice of cart with Garrard 301 or 401.

And lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to @fsonicsmith, @noromance ​​​​@mdalton for the inspiration.

lalitk

@macg19  I haven’t heard either so I’m not recommending them per se, merely offering examples. However both have had solid reviews from trustworthy (known personally) posters over the years. I have heard the Gold Note and wasn’t impressed. Too dull. The Aric is customizable at the build stage. Better components are critical. 

@noromance 

Based on my experience, I won’t be buying anything from Aric Audio (new or used). 

Based on my experience, I won’t be buying anything from Aric Audio (new or used). 

duly noted!

Ha! I can't win for losing! Care to elaborate?

Based on my experience, I won’t be buying anything from Aric Audio (new or used). 

@noromance 

I’d prefer not to go into all the details publicly, but let’s just say my personal experience left me with enough hesitation that I’ve decided to steer clear moving forward. I know others have had great experiences but for my part, I’m just choosing to not purchase his products. 

Hope that makes sense and thanks again for understanding.