Garrard 301 Vintage Turntable w/Custom Plinth, Choice of Arm, and Sumiko Cartridge

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This is a SkyFi custom build without the long lead time as the plinth and drive are already in our hands.

You can choose an arm from our supply, or even provide your own.

Same for the cartridge as we have every Sumiko in stock.

Pricing can range from $6k-$10K depending on options.

Just give us a call or drop a note to customize this gorgeous table.

Notes:

The round tonearm mount pictured is obviously not the correct part, we used it to be able to show the tonearm in place. The correct black matching piece will be drilled perfectly once the tonearm is chosen.

While we've pictured this 'table with a brand new and most excellent Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 MC (Moving-Coil) Low Output phono cartridge, you can certainly configure this to your specific taste as mentioned above.

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for Turntables:

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 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.