New Garrard Build

[jeff1225]

It's really impressive this idler is excelling at classical, I'm very envious. I've worked hard to get my rim drive to be sufficiently quiet and neutral to be as good on Ravel as well as Rush...haven't quite got there yet.

I always thought that I would keep the Ascona for classical. We were very surprised that the Garrard was able to deliver the detail required to be convincing with classical.

Bruckners 9, Janak string quartets and Beethoven’s 7th were all enjoyed with a dram or two of Oban’s single malt audio enhancer.

 

[jeff1225]

That's impressive. So the rebuild got rid of the midbass bump and added detail? Wow?

I know, I couldn’t believe it. I had two other people do the same exercise. I’m not claiming it the best 401 build ever, I’m just claiming it was better than my Ascona.

 

[jeff1225]

soon they´ll be with a Melco 35kg gunmetal platter version

I’m debating on additional upgrades. I really enjoy the 401 now, I’m not sure if they will be enhancements or make the sound too “audiophile “ or sterile:
1. LDA quartz power supply
2. Artisan Fidelity statement player and bearing.

These upgrades would be about $5500 so the costa are quite steep.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

I would consider the HAT regen/psu with voltage and frequency adjustment from Jaap Pees at HanzeHifi in Zwolle, NL instead, as well as the 13,5kg bronze platter and joining bearing from Stefano Bertoncello / Twoogoodearsblogger

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

Jaap builds psu both 2 and 3 phase for all sorts of TT motors, and is a true artist in what he does, and all well documented and both feet on the gnd
and even fair prices

 

[howiebrou]

I would consider the HAT regen/psu with voltage and frequency adjustment from Jaap Pees at HanzeHifi in Zwolle, NL instead, as well as the 13,5kg bronze platter and joining bearing from Stefano Bertoncello / Twoogoodearsblogger

I have also been thinking about the HAT psu for my 301. I seem to remember it was around USD2k?

 

[Chop]

Here's my old 401. Dont use it now.

 

[dcc]

Jaap builds psu both 2 and 3 phase for all sorts of TT motors, and is a true artist in what he does, and all well documented and both feet on the gnd
and even fair prices

I would second this. I have a HAT PSU for my TD 124/II and the Wow & Flutter figures are at the same level as my Brinkmann Balance (0.053% measured with AnaloMagik).

 

[jeff1225]

Here's my old 401. Dont use it now.

So you prefer your Platine Verdier over the 401? Can you please tell us where it excels?

 

[Chop]

So you prefer your Platine Verdier over the 401? Can you please tell us where it excels?

The Verdier has almost as much drive but S L A U G H T E R S the 401 for air imaging and nuance. Same arm and cartridge. This is with mono or stereo. As a result I put my 3012R on the back of my Verdier and use it for mono duties. The Garrard sits in the loft until I decide what to do with it.

 

[Chop]

There are always other variables...but some things seem very consistent, whatever the system. Linn LP12s always do the mid bass hump PRaT thing. 301s share that similar euphonic trait. The 401 that I heard and had at home for 6 weeks didn't.

FWIW Marc, I agree completely with this. It seems to be a deeply unfashionable thing to say but IMO the 401 is objectively a better turntable. I've had both. The 401 just doesn't look as nice as a 301.

 

[howiebrou]

There are always other variables...but some things seem very consistent, whatever the system. Linn LP12s always do the mid bass hump PRaT thing. 301s share that similar euphonic trait. The 401 that I heard and had at home for 6 weeks didn't.

I love the euphonic vibe which is why I wear rose tinted glasses with my 301.

 

[jeff1225]

The Verdier has almost as much drive but S L A U G H T E R S the 401 for air imaging and nuance. Same arm and cartridge. This is with mono or stereo. As a result I put my 3012R on the back of my Verdier and use it for mono duties. The Garrard sits in the loft until I decide what to do with it.

I would build a more robust plinth with metal and wood. My Garrard build crushed the Ascona in both imaging and nuance. I believe the 120 lb metal and wood plinth makes this happen.

 

[Audiophile Bill]

I was thinking of doing a plinth rack for my Gates like below. I find this an elegant solution. How it sounds I don’t know but it makes a lot of sense. I have solid concrete floor so foot fall is no issue.

 

[Solypsa]

Makes sense to me. Sort of like a pro console ( iow radio station style ) but better.

 

[bonzo75]

HAT, swissonor and schopper PSU were covered in my schopper write up a few years ago. All similar.

 

[jeff1225]

HAT, swissonor and schopper PSU were covered in my schopper write up a few years ago. All similar.

After some research, I've purchases the LAD power supply to give it a shot. More available in the USA than the HAT or Swissonor.

 

[PeterA]

The Verdier has almost as much drive but S L A U G H T E R S the 401 for air imaging and nuance. Same arm and cartridge. This is with mono or stereo. As a result I put my 3012R on the back of my Verdier and use it for mono duties. The Garrard sits in the loft until I decide what to do with it.

I wonder if that plywood plinth is overdamping the 401.

 

[jespera]

FWIW Marc, I agree completely with this. It seems to be a deeply unfashionable thing to say but IMO the 401 is objectively a better turntable. I've had both. The 401 just doesn't look as nice as a 301.

Some people say that the 401 has a better motor and put the 401 motor on their 301

 

[morricab]

Thank you. I’m going to wait for the rack before a full review but I’d say there is more jump factor, punchier bass but not as black a background. Right now I’m listening to jazz on the Garrard and classical on the Ascona.

We noticed a similar effect with a fully refurbished Lenco L75...tons of drive and pace but not super quiet.