Garrard 301 Vintage Turntable with Custom Wood Plinth and New Ortofon Tonearm

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General:
The Garrard 301 is an absolute classic vintage turntable drive. At the time of its release it was considered one of the finest available.

Low wow and flutter and high accuracy are strong qualities of the Garrard 301. It clearly was a high quality piece and still is well respected today.

This particular turntable has a beautiful custom wood plinth that really makes the build stand out. Glossy black at the top, and wood grain visible at the sides.

The tonearm pictured is an Ortofon, the beauty of this tonearm is its universal headshell mount which makes switching cartridges easy. We also have other tonearms available to mount if you'd like a different one fitted.

Mounted will be a new Hana ML MC (Moving-Coil) Phono Cartridge($1,200). It will be calibrated using our proven 12-Step Process ($390).

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some light wear shown near the platter. Some hairline scratches on the top of the plinth. Overall it presents really well.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
IEC Power, RCA Phono + Ground

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Just the unit and cable

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Platter: 12" diameter die-cast aluminium fitted with rubber mat

Unit plate: die-cast aluminium

Motor: shaded pole induction motor in heavy cast casing suspended on six tensioned springs

Voltage: dual range 100 to 130 and 200 to 250 volts

Frequency: 50 or 60 cycles according to motor pulley fitted

Consumption: 16 watts

Wow: less than 0.2%

Flutter: less than 0.05%

Rumble: almost non existent

Speed range: 33 to 34, 44 to 46 and 76 to 80 rpm

Finish: high quality broken enamel with black accessories

Weight:
50 lbs.

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.