To Garrard 301/401 or Thorens TD124mk 2, that is the question ?

[The Black Adder]

no probs, Neil... as I said, though. If you can't listen to them side by side then just buy what you like. They are both superb TT's in every respect.

[walpurgis]

Care to put more meat onto why?

Regards Neil

The Garrards sounded very good, but I preferred the G88/99 sound. The Garrards are also a bit 'clunkier' to use.

[Barry]

As an owner of three Thorens 124/IIs, it wouldn't surprise you to learn that is what I would recommend!

I have to confess I have never listened to either a Garrard 301 or 401 'in anger'; my experience of them has either been through a friend using one, or in one of the better record shops that used a Garrard deck with either Decca or SME arm.

Given the choice I would probably go for a Thorens as the SQ is virtually independant of the plinth used, and the arm board is interchangable. The Garrard's SQ is highly dependant on the plinth. Of the two, the Thorens is mechanically more complicated, but IMO is easier to service, though genuine spare parts are becoming more and more expensive.

It is generally considered that the Garrards have better bass performance, whereas the Thorens beat the Garrards elsewhere.

I have had a quick look on eBay. Depending on location, condition or whether the TTs come with a plinth, BIN prices for the two decks are:

Garrard 301/401 £850 - £1,760

Thorens 124/II £750 - £2,000.

Trust this is of some help

Regards
Barry

(PS You might like to consider a Goldring G99. I have spent some time with one of these decks, and have to confess it gave my Thorens a good run for the money.)

[Spectral Morn]

As an owner of three Thorens 124/IIs, it wouldn't surprise you to learn that is what I would recommend!

I have to confess I have never listened to either a Garrard 301 or 401 'in anger'; my experience of them has either been through a friend using one, or in one of the better record shops that used a Garrard deck with either Decca or SME arm.

Given the choice I would probably go for a Thorens as the SQ is virtually independant of the plinth used, and the arm board is interchangable. The Garrard's SQ is highly dependant on the plinth. Of the two, the Thorens is mechanically more complicated, but IMO is easier to service, though genuine spare parts are becoming more and more expensive.

It is generally considered that the Garrards have better bass performance, whereas the Thorens beat the Garrards elsewhere.

I have had a quick look on eBay. Depending on location, condition or whether the TTs come with a plinth, BIN prices for the two decks are:

Garrard 301/401 £850 - £1,760

Thorens 124/II £750 - £2,000.

Trust this is of some help

Regards
Barry

(PS You might like to consider a Goldring G99. I have spent some time with one of these decks, and have to confess it gave my Thorens a good run for the money.)

There are a few 401's kicking around for £500 ish but yes the Emporium Thoren's is £750.

Interesting re the plinth being less of an issue with a TD124 than the Garrards, that's useful to know.

I certainly don't want to go crazy on this as I may not like what I hear, shame I know no one here with a 401 or 124 I could hear - makes it harder.




Regards Neil

[Wakefield Turntables]

301 all the way baby!

[Spectral Morn]

301 all the way baby!

Why ?


Regards Neil

[Wakefield Turntables]

Why ?


Regards Neil

Because I prefer the aesthetics and sonic capabilities of the 301 over the 401 and I think that a 301 when applied with a decent external PSU more than equals a TD124 mk2. I have to be honest and say I've never heard a Goldring G88 / G99 but I would suspect a properly sorted example would be just as good as a Garrard or Thorens deck for considerably less money.

[Spectral Morn]

Because I prefer the aesthetics and sonic capabilities of the 301 over the 401 and I think that a 301 when applied with a decent external PSU more than equals a TD124 mk2. I have to be honest and say I've never heard a Goldring G88 / G99 but I would suspect a properly sorted example would be just as good as a Garrard or Thorens deck for considerably less money.

Ok, thank you Andrew.



Regards Neil

[Barry]

Because I prefer the aesthetics and sonic capabilities of the 301 over the 401 and I think that a 301 when applied with a decent external PSU more than equals a TD124 mk2. I have to be honest and say I've never heard a Goldring G88 / G99 but I would suspect a properly sorted example would be just as good as a Garrard or Thorens deck for considerably less money.

Have you compared a Thorens 124/II in perfect condition with a Garrard 301/401 (without an external PSU)?

[Wakefield Turntables]

Have you compared a Thorens 124/II in perfect condition with a Garrard 301/401 (without an external PSU)?

No, but I'm giving the Thorens the respect is deserves. But define a "perfect condition" Thorens, where's you reference metric?