I know this an old topic...but Tonearm for Garrard 301 :)


Building up a Garrard 301.  Plinth is being built by Lee at Acoustand in UK.   

Need a tonearm. Fell in love with the Schick 12", but understand there is a 6+month backlog.  (anyone aware of the actual backlog?)

I'm willing to plunge and wait for the Schick, but would like to know from this fantastic community what I might consider as an alternative with no backlog.

Anyone recommend the new SME's?  

Thanks!! Mike in Houston

heightsmike

Showing 2 responses by glennewdick

After building a Garrard 301 set up, i.e. plinth, rebuild of table, tone arm, etc. I'd say take your time and look for a reputable arm that fits many modern carts compliance.

Personally I'd stay away from vintage arms if your going to run modern carts just my experience.  Also find one that has easy set up and preferably with on the fly adjustments of VTA etc. A well engineered tone arm will make your task much easier to implement correctly.

Oh one last thing, not sure if your flush mounted your Garrard into the plinth or left it on top. but take the height in to account for the tone arm and mounting arrangement, that can make or break the set up. The mounting arrangement can be a pain and you want it to be easy to use and adjust for your tonearm and future tonearms. Cable run taken into account well. 

Oh looks like your arm board is predrilled for the SME type base. Also looks very nice, and lots of room for the arm/arm wire etc. Should be a great sounding table.

Not sure about a tonearm that is not connected tt the plinth, one bump and your dragging out your alignment protractor. but a very interesting concept, if works well maybe an easier way to add a second arm to my table.