401 Bearing Recommendations Please

[yolakim]

My lovely Garrard 401 now benefits from a Tenuto platter mat and Mk 1 LDA power supply - the PS in particular produced a positive improvement. I'd like to try a new bearing next and was interested in member's opinions. The previous thread about this didn't seem to reach any conclusions, so not really expecting agreement on "the best", but would be keen to hear member's own experiences.

The Peak HiFi SMD Acoustics bearing is readily available - has anyone had any experierience of fitting one of these?

Martin Bastin's name keeps coming up in relation to Garrards, but I can't find any information - can anyone help?

Anything else I should consider?

Many thanks

[Marra]

These on Lenco Heaven seem to get good reports but I have no experience of them.

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=25857.0

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've had the SPH bearing, the standard 401 bearing and the modified Martin Bastin 401 bearing (this is the best). You can spend some silly money on bearings which have never been reviewed and I'd avoid the ebay modifications (kokomo).

[graham67]

I have had the exact bearing (avoid), kokomo mk2, sph but not a bastin.

The SPH is good vfm and is a little quieter and spins very freely. It is not a night and day improvement over the stock bearing in good fettle (and i am not sure its delrin bushes will last 50 years!), but I take the view that every little bit helps. In conjunction with the Tenuto mat, LDA PSU, Audiosilente idler, IMO it is significantly better than in stock form.

It has lost non of the Garrard strengths (drive, punchy bass, rhythm and that elusive musicality) but its weaker areas - veiled treble and speed stability - are no longer an issue.

Of course, all these mods are not cheap. but for my musical tastes i cannot think of a deck I would prefer to own regardless of price.

[ost_]

Hello Kim

I have neither a PSU upgrade nor an exotic platter mat, however my 401 does have a bearing upgrade. It was organised by the wonderful people at NWA, made by the Jeremy guy originally known for his Lenco bearings under the Redbeard name (there are loads of threads on his bearings over on lencoheaven but you may already know that). ;)

The bearing is aesthetically very pleasing, dare I say luxurious, and undoubtedly well engineered, it certainly looks far more impressive than the currently available SMD bearing or stock bearing.

Sonically, I've never tried to compare it to the well-fettled standard bearing it replaced, so I can't really say whether I'd recommend it or not, sorry, I realise that's not much use to you. :scratch:

Anyways, I believe NWA stopped supplying this bearing some years ago and developed their own. I think most of their work is focused around carts these days but it may be worth asking.

Good luck with the search! :)

[oldius]

Personally, I would stick with the stock bearing and invest in more music or developing your system elsewhere.

[ost_]

Personally, I would stick with the stock bearing and invest in more music or developing your system elsewhere.
Totally agree :D wise words Oldius!

[yolakim]

Many thanks for all the comments.

Oldius - I really am thinking about your suggestion Geoff and I know it probably makes more financial sense, but the urge to tinker is strong! Money towards the cartridge upgrade perhaps...
ost_ - I have read about the NWA bearing, but as you say, heard it was no longer available. I will ask
Rexton - Thanks Andrew, but I still can't find any information for Martin Bastin - how do I find out about his bearing?

[mbic]

Martin Bastin can be contacted at 01584 823446. My 401’s bearing was supplied by Martin as part of a full service. You will have to send the 401 to him.
He can also supply a replacement idler.

[yolakim]

That’s helpful - thank you [emoji120]


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[Made in 1968]

Personally, I would stick with the stock bearing and invest in more music or developing your system elsewhere.

+1

[Wakefield Turntables]

Stick with the stock bearing. I talked to Audio Grail, Terry (ex-of loricraft), and Martin Bastin. All agree the 401 bearing works the best when suitable fettled and modded and guess what it should come alongside a complete Garrard 401 :eek:.

[mbic]

Actually, if it’s just the bearing, I think you could send just the bearing for modification, Martin will advise.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Actually, if it’s just the bearing, I think you could send just the bearing for modification, Martin will advise.

Yes I have done this in the past. Martin's work is cheap compared to others but don't let that put you of. Finding his house is nearly impossible, you'll be given a grid reference!!!!!!!!!

[yolakim]

My 401 has been restored relatively recently, so after a few comments about keeping the original bearing, I’m minded to wait a year or two, then send the whole deck to Martin for a service and get the bearing updated then.


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[Wakefield Turntables]

Just send him the bearing why wait a year?

[yolakim]

Thanks everyone - as always, comments have changed my thinking on this. I'll try to give Mr Bastin a call later this week :)