Garrard 301 Vintage Turntable w/Custom Plinth, Pro-Ject Tonearm, and New Sumiko

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One-of-a-kind SkyFi exclusive modernized Garrard 301 turntable.

Combining the best of vintage and modern, while delivering outstanding performance and looks.

We took the legendary 301 drive, serviced it to like new performance, and made a custom multi layered plinth with acrylic top.

The tonearm is a carbon fiber model from Pro-Ject, and for a phono cartridge we chose a brand new Sumiko Songbird MC (Moving-Coil) low output version.

The included cables are custom Straightwire.

All of these choices resulted in a vintage turntable with modern performance and amazing looks.

Prior to shipping we'll mount the Songbird cartridge and put the machine through our 12-step detailed calibration process for perfect performance out of the box.

Please contact us if you'd like to spec a different cartridge or supply your own.

Garrard 301 Vintage Turntable (1954 - 1964)

The SkyFi Testing Process for Turntables:

Fist 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 asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table 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 its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some 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 TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm 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

Tracing force

Anti-skate

Tonearm height

Lifter height

VTA

Azimuth

Stylus Distance and Overhang

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