New Paul Hynes SR5 Power Supply

[MartinT]

Hopefully I have an SME lined up and intend to out the TecnoArm on my new Garrard 401 with slate plinth, what say you?

I'd say you've got it bad! I don't really know the 401 well enough to comment, having only heard them at shows.

As for VTA, it's best to experiment by ear. You can use a little bubble level on the headshell but dead level doesn't guarantee the best sound. Try it a little tail high and then tail low and you will hear which is best. The angle that the stylus is glued to the cantilever varies from sample to sample, so the best VTA will vary.

[DSJR]

REga style arms have always partnered Garrards well, but I don't know what a slate plinth will bring to the mix - I've usually recommended wood derived laminates such as the excellent Martin Bastin plinths of yore, or a paving slab supported in a very stout frame using chair webbing as support...

[Stratmangler]

Will's 401 sounds amazing in it's two tier slate plinth.
One of the best sounds at last year's Owston meet (although Lurcher's amp and Will's OBs had some small part to play )

I've also heard another 401 in a single tier slate plinth, this time with a Michell Technoarm, and that too sounded superb.

[DSJR]

The 401 does sound superb, but it's the reduction of motor and drive related noise that's the key with these I found, otherwise it's all ballistic with no subtlety.

[Stratmangler]

Let's put it this way - there's no lack of subtlety with either of the slate plinthed 401s that I've heard.

Something I've not yet heard, and would like to, is Nick's (Lurcher) SP10, which has a slate plinth. Maybe some day.....

[Wakefield Turntables]

the VTA was my concern when I had your configuration and I must say that I was also concerned that I didnt quite have the VTA set up properly, now I have the V I dont have those problems, if you go down the route of getting the 309 you'll also be able to change the VTA very easily. With regards to how to set the VTA i'm afraid it's trail and error which can be very frustrating but the main shaft of the tonearm needs to be perfectly horizontal which means your going to have to play with the counter weight at the rear of the technoarm. Make sure you have the correct counter weight applied to the tonearm as Michelle supply several, compare this with the mass of your cartridge. Most people adjust VTA simply by eye, or more commonly by ear. You'll have to adjust a little, then listen, adjust a little more, listen again etc etc. Thats why I want the Adjust+ software it should "in theory" enable correct VTA setup. Your TT looks the dogs bollocks mate

[Clive]

I don't know what a slate plinth will bring to the mix - I've usually recommended wood derived laminates such as the excellent Martin Bastin plinths of yore,

I've experimented a lot with a 301 with many, many variations of CLD plinths as well as skeletal. It was a lot of work over a year. I got a sound that was pretty good. Then I dropped the 301 into a slate plinth. It was way better, I wish I'd started from that point and saved myself a year's work.

[Ali Tait]

Let's put it this way - there's no lack of subtlety with either of the slate plinthed 401s that I've heard.

Something I've not yet heard, and would like to, is Nick's (Lurcher) SP10, which has a slate plinth. Maybe some day.....

I've heard Nick's deck before and after the slate plinth. Sounded great before, but the slate plinth took it to a whole new level. Stunning is the word I think.

[MCRU]

I am going to get an mdf plinth just to get it up and running and then a slate one later, I am too far behind with orders to carry on faffing about with TT's!

The 401 looks practically brand new underneath, all the metal is pristine in condition.

[Johan]

Btw, I've just taken a few new shots of the Techie - this time off of the rack, after fitting the new Oyaide PA-2075 DR tonearm cable to the Jelco:
Marco.

An old thread :-)
But may I know whether the Oyaide PA-2075 DR cable is with straight or 90 ° connector ??

Gr. Johan