The shop I mentioned above that puts idler tables into ultra high end systems likes the Thorens 124 the most for sound quality. Their tech who refurbishes and sets up tables likes the Garrard for its simpler design that makes maintenance and adjustment easier. I like both brands from what I hear.
Is a Garrard 401 or 301 "accurate"??
So my question is this..I have been running a modified Garrard 401 or 301 for the last 20 years. Right now I have a 401 in a slate plinth, after market Idler, bearing and platter. I honestly have not really done much listening to modern high end turntables. Now that I've been spending more on my system over the last few years, the rest of the components including arm, cartridge and phono stage are of a higher caliber than they were 20 years ago. I am wondering if what I am hearing is a colored presentation. To my ears it sounds great but it's a very full weighty kind of sound. Just wondering what people who have compared a high end table directly to a modded garrard feel. Are the Garrard's presentation one that is not necessarily tonally accurate?? Thanks David
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I too have a slate plinthed rebuilt 401 with aftermarket idler (Artisan Fidelity), platter (PAC), and SPH bearing. I don’t have a power supply. One inexpensive tweak that really helped open up the mids/highs was to add 3 x Nobsound springs as feet. Another was to use a "rack" of concrete blocks. See my system under my profile. |
I have heard Idler Drives in there original Plinths, modified original Plinths and Custom Plinths from Laminated Materials, such as MDF, Plywood, Granite, Slate to produce a Solid Block with rebates machined into to enable the required space only for positioning the under chassis parts. I have heard some of these TT's with replacement bearings from Jolyon, SPH and the PTP Bearing, I was once to set up a Bake off for a selection on six bearings. A few of the TT's I have heard as Stacked Platter assemblies. Some have been purpose produced to offer the chassis a additional support to reduce flexion and the Bearing Housing has been rigidly encased in rebate as part of the Plinth Design. From my experiences through demonstrations offered, a Massey Plinth is always the better method, there is a perception of improvement on the Bass Notes. A Supported Chassis and Bearing Housing that is designed to reduce flexion has a much improved performance on the overall presentation, the idea of returning to a previous plinth design is a 'no no', I am not alone in this thought. A selection of these TT''s have been demonstrated with the Nigel Speed Controller and another selection have been used with the NSC and the LDA quartz Locked Speed Controller as a Comparison. In all cases the Speed Controller has a very positive impact on the Bass which makes for a better mid and high frequency, the LDA has improved on this best in my experiences. |
@pindac What bearing did you prefer? |
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