Idler Convert

[Tom-Brown]

Having just bought this beautiful Garrard 401 from this very forum, I can honestly say I am now an idler convert. I did have some reservations with buying something so old :) but after picking it up last Wednesday I've been playing it virtually non stop!!! It's in great shape and runs to speed much quicker than I expected. It holds speed and apart from the very odd minor adjustment I don't have to do anything but listen to the music :) :) I'm also really surprised how quiet it is - for a mechanical driven unit it is very near silent!!
It is fitted with a rega 300 arm which was given an origin live re-wire, so all I had to do was fit my Ortofon 2M Black to it - what a transformation, the sound quality now sounds much richer and deeper. I know the black can be quite unforgiving (and it was on my old rega type deck) but it definitely likes this turntable!!!
The plinth is also a great match - made by the previous owner, it is superb and the adjustable feet make for easy levelling :) So, at the moment "I think I am Done" :) :) A few poor pic's of this great package...

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af42/tombrowntracker/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_180613_zpshphkfxmh.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af42/tombrowntracker/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_161352_zpsqzs02ufn.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af42/tombrowntracker/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_180629_zpsajrwszo2.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af42/tombrowntracker/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151021_180639_zpsgt8ciwx7.jpg

[Jimbo]

Nice one Graham. Bet it does sound good especially with that 2M. I recently bought a Lenco GL75 idler - not quite in the same league but there is something quite compelling in the way idlers deliver the music.

[Tarzan]

Very nice Graham, glad you like the Garrard:eek:

[Tom-Brown]

To be honest - It's been a real eye opener, I love the sound it puts out :) :)

[Tarzan]

What was your T/T before mate?:)

[trio leo]

Many a good tune from an old fiddle eh Graham, looks great, like the wall decor also, I need something on my mancave wall.

Enjoy your music :)

Cheers Alan

[Tom-Brown]

What was your T/T before mate?:)

Well, it was Rega based, I bought an Edwards turntable base, fitted ceramic bearing and aluminium sub platter then added a 12mm glass platter and upgraded the feet. Fitted with a RB250 arm that had an isoteknik cardass re-wire with silver bullet plugs and of course my 2M black cartridge. The 2M sounded as most people seem to state, that it was very unforgiving but on a great LP it sounded great.........But the 401 is heads and shoulders above that and really does seem to suit the 2M Black - the difference is substantial to say the least :) :)

[struth]

Better timing than a swiss watch

[Tom-Brown]

Better timing than a swiss watch

:lol: :lol: :lol: Bit ironic Grant - as I had to sell a swiss watch to fund this "step-up"

[Mike - H]

What's the mat you are using Graham?

[Tom-Brown]

What's the mat you are using Graham?

I'll have to ask the seller - it's a cork backed felt mat, could be a loricraft one as I've seen similar on ebay. I'm swapping it between my xtlm acrylic mat at the mo to see which I prefer. The felt one is winning so far especially when I use my brass record puck :) :)