Garrard 301 restoration project

[Wakefield Turntables]

I do keep an eye out for the 102 but I also would like try something a little up the Miyajima tree. There is also some of the more exotic Ortofons but these are scary money and would imagine quite a rare beast out in the wild.

[Wakefield Turntables]

The Garrard 301 Restoration Project PT LXXXIX - 250,000 not out.

I noticed that this thread has nearly hit 250,000 views. So, I'd like to say a big thanks and here's to the next 250,000 views.

Stay tuned.

[Barry]

At least 10,000 of those might have been due to the "AI bot blitz" we had here few months ago and caused the whole Forum to lock up.

But even so, well done. I read the all posts made here, yours included.

[Wakefield Turntables]

The Garrard 301 Restoration Project PT LXXXX - MONOLOG - A sub blog! Pt XIII - More tweaking.

Hello Garrard lovers I've more tales to tell with regardsimproving the infrastructure of the Garrard 301. The Croft marque has many many fans all over the world and I'm one of them, I have a very modified Croft preamp and now a slightly (even more so now) phonostage. I have never been a big fan of the intrinsic Croft phonostages and have often preferred the extrinsic versions that Glenn used to make. My own Croft phonostage originally used to run three 6SL7 valves, I prefer the 6391 variant and this was decided upon after doing a massive 14 valve shoot-out back when you could buy valves very cheap and very cheerful from the US of A. Said phonostage decided to become sick with a dicky on/off switch, so I decided to use this an an excuse to get the thing check over and a subtle modification. Several weeks later and my Croft now had a part 6SN7 conversion, a subtle tweek which gives the thing more drive. Here we can see a few tasty caps which have been installed.




Here we can see the modification working with my old pair of 6391's and a rather nice Raytheon 6SN7 valve.




Finally just a couple more pictures showing some wiring upgrades. Firstly I replaced some COAX cable which has been used as the earth cable for both my RCA inputs from the phonostage , I found some nice solid core copper and fitted that instead.



Finally I rewired the RCA input/output with some solid core silver (in teflon) that I had sitting in my garage spares box this replaced what looked like copper coated aluminium wiring.



So, things sound excellent, no doubt better phonostages and MONO playback systems exist but my current setup really SINGS and I'm very happy with the way things have panned out. I'd have to spend a lot more money to improve things, like buying a new tonearm or a new cartridge. My SPU Mono might be getting a little long in the tooth so perhaps that could be something to look into. My MONO record collection is perhaps only 200 strong but I do love listening to this side of vinyl replay.

Stay Tuned.......

[Jimbo]

Glenn’s separate Phono stages were always better than the preamp/ phono stages he built. I asked him why and in his typical short conversations he would say he could do more “ work” on the separate phono stages. I believe some of this extra circuitry allowed for lower impedance. I think the valves and designs he built in the middle years were his best but I can’t still remember being enthralled by his first micro preamp that was indeed very minimal and basic but sounded wonderful!

[Wakefield Turntables]

This phonostages has got 3 Tx's!!! It seems like every little has its own PSU.

[Jimbo]

This phonostages has got 3 Tx's!!! It seems like every little has its own PSU.

Have you ever seen his Absolute 1 preamp!

Piccy here!
https://6moons.com/audioreviews/croft/croft.html

[Wakefield Turntables]

Have you ever seen his Absolute 1 preamp!

Piccy here!
https://6moons.com/audioreviews/croft/croft.html

Yeah, saw that a long time ago, I decided to stop chasing that dream years ago, just make what I own the best I can.

[Jimbo]

Yeah, saw that a long time ago, I decided to stop chasing that dream years ago, just make what I own the best I can.

Think he only built one anyway. I am sure your gear is as good as it gets, I wish I could have bought either the Charisma or Charisma X sometime ago.Was yours either of these or an Epoch?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I believe I have the Epoch. It's been modded several times by Alan (Fire Bottle) and Nick (Long dog Audio). Progressively getting rid of stuff that wasnt needed and upgrading bits that appeared lacking.