Vintage Japanese DD Consult and Suggestions Please
A little over five years ago, I worked with Chris Harban at Woodsong Audio to craft a bespoke Garrard 301 for me and my my vinyl collection. I had previously had a Dual of some model followed by a Thorens TD 160 with a nice Ortofon Black MM cart. The 301 was completely restored featuring a heavy mahogany plinth, Ortofon AS 309S tonearm, and Ortofon SPU head. I have completely blown away with how this table has sounded and looked. The sound was huge, rich, and detailed...everything that I heard that idle drives from this era should sound.
Unfortunately, some family health matters have forced me to liquidate some much revered audio gear, and recently placed my Garrard 301 up for sale. I do not wish to be without a way to continue to enjoy my collection and would somehow like to come as close to the performance of the 301 for around $2500 or so.
My considerations (thus far)for this change are as follows,
Denon DP80
Technics SP10 Mk 2 or 3
Technics SL 1000 Mk 2
Luxman PD 444
As you can see, I am curious about the more vintage looks and sound of the direct drives coming out of Japan, and am hoping to glean from this audience which of these units may provide me with the same (or as close to)level of enjoyment that my 301 has done. Thoughts on tonearm and MC cartridges pairings with each would be helpful.
I am not really considering anything belt driven at this time for whatever reason, or a deck that veers away from a traditional turntable aesthetic.
If it helps, the rest of the signal chain is as follows.
Aric Audio Motherlode preamp
Manley Steelhead phono pre
Aric Audio Transcend EL 34 push/pull amp
Klipsch Forte iv speakers.
I am grateful in advance for your thoughts on this matter.
@lewm, I am grateful for this information, and thank you for the offer to part with one of your chips should it become necessary. In the event that cost were no object, or my budget was stretched, would the recommendation change at all? Once my 301 sells, I will certainly consider reaching out to Music Technologies for their direction and suggestions on this matter. |
So you still have the 301. It is my opinion that you should not let it go. Sell the arm off it and replace it with a good basic vintage one for the time being. A Fidelity Research FR 24, an Audio Technica, a JVC, or maybe even an ADC. Sell the cartridge too if its a higher end piece and go with a basic Denon DL 301 II or an Audio Technica. You will never replace that 301 for what you get out of it. Also you are going to sink real money into a SP10 MK II or Denon DP80 to have it restored to where its like new to you. Heck I would even let the phono stage go and use a Darlington, Sota Pyxi, or something along those lines before parting with the table. |
@neonknight, Trust me, I have toiled over this decision and have considered other means and ways to hold onto the 301 in some form. I am resolved to any replacement, Denon or other, to pale in comparison as it relates to aesthetics...sonic performance will take precedence over how new or restored it looks. |
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You can get a rebuilt DP80 off of yahoo auction japan through a service like buyee or others, just be aware that shipping costs are high. a dk-110 or 300 can also be found there. a dp75 motor unit could be an option, some say there is no sonic difference between the two. (I have never heard a 75) but you can get a 110 volt version. not so with the 80.
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