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Platter Upgrade for Garrard 301

I am toying with the idea of upgrading my analog system to the next level up from my VPI scout. I've heard alot of talk about great performance from a Garrard 301 coupled with a upgraded plinth that I could buy from various sources, such as Oswald Mill Audio or Shindo, among others. However, I rarely hear about other upgrades for the Garrard. Isn't the platter a key component that should be a contender for an upgrade? I know Shindo makes such a platter, but they seem to be ultra expensive. There must be a less expensive alternative? Also, what other upgrades should I consider to a Garrard? Thanks, Mark
mcmprov

Showing 3 responses by hifidaddy

hifidaddy
28 posts
 
I have tried a lot with Garrards the last 18 years. When I tried the Shindo bearing and platter upgrade for the 301, I have to admit that I heard it in a non-Shindo plinth, so I guess I might have missed the system synergy. It is just that I preferred the musical presentation of the original bearing+platter in my setup. I love the Shindo SPU, though.

Before you change plinth or platter, consider the Kokomo bearing. I found that this is a very cost effective, but nevertheless effective improvement over the original to such an extent, that a Kokomo'd Garrard sitting in a DIY CLD plinth was preferred by the audience to a non Kokomo'd Garrard sitting in a slate plinth some month's ago at a local Munich turntable shootout.

best regards, Hartmut
hifidaddy
28 posts
 
Hello Jonathan,

yes it was that shootout. But the slate plinthed Garrard was the only one having its Schick tonearm on a slate tonearm board, so it should work in favour for the slate plinth, if anything.

To me, the Kokomo bearing modification is night and day in performance, and outperforms any other modification to the Garrard.

Hartmut
hifidaddy
28 posts
 
Vinyljh, would you please stop your business talk. The emperor has no clothes, regardless what you pretend.
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