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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.

 

 

laaudionut
laaudionut OP
292 posts
 

So despite my reservations about the aesthetics of the newer Technics, The thought of performance coupled with a turnkey approach has its advantages. If I am able stretch what I believe will be my budget, there are new Technics SL 1200G's on several Japan based eBay sites. Obviously I would need to operate this through a step down transformer...are there any disadvantages to purchasing a unit from Japan and running it in this manner that I should be considerate of?

westcoastaudiophile
491 posts
 

laaudionut, ls1200g power supply design covers 100..240V 50/60Hz AC, I haven’t found power board difference between diff markets targeted product, in service manual. 

laaudionut OP
292 posts
 

Hello again. First, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude for all who have read and replied to this thread...the information was instrumental(some pun intended) in my due diligence and selection process. For the last month or so, I have been enjoying my Denon DP80 with the DK300 plinth, DA402 12" tonearm, and the modest Denon DL103 FL cartridge. I was able to find the piece, said for the cart, on a Canadian listing site, but the transaction and experience was far from enjoyable, unfortunately.

I will state that I do greatly miss my Garrard 301, but I am more than pleased with the looks and performance of the Denon. I know the audio purist and someone with a more discerning ear than I have would easily hear the differences, what is important to me is that it sounds sublime for the modest price that I paid. At some time I will explore different cartridges, and welcome any suggestions, at the moment I have found solace in my turntable transition.

Again, my many kind thanks!

 

Brian

 

 

 

theophile's avatar
theophile
267 posts
 

Well done. That is a great choice.

lewm
13,577 posts
 

Yes, a discerning ear would hear differences between 301 and DP80. The 301 is noisier. The DP80 would likely measure better in every way.

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