Garrard 401 Vs Technics 1210

[Marco]

I think Marco likes quite a detailed and active sound, something you "have" to listen, profuse apologies if I'm mis-representing your preferences Marco.

No, Clive, that's quite an accurate statement. There's more to it than that, but you're not far off!

The differences between 1210 and 401/301, though less extreme, are a bit like OTL and SE valve amps. Which is "right" is immaterial, which you prefer is your choice.

Good analogy; and your last sentence is spot on.

Marco.

[Marco]

The SL1210, with the KAB PSU, just stops and starts on a dime, musically speaking that is. It's very clear and clean. In a nutshell it's CD clarity with LP richness.

I like that description, Peter - it sums things up nicely!

Marco.

[i_should_coco]

Not a 1210 or 401, but I'm very happy with my slate SP10 (2x 50mm layers). When people ask, I always describe it as sounding like a CD player, in the best possible way. The sound is very solid and is as Marco says not remotely cuddly. The cartridge and arm add colour (not colouration, as far as I can tell).

[SPS]

At owston, marco's deck went on straight after will's slate 401/ spu combo

I'm not sure what else changed with it.. but will's was in the lead.. smoother and more extended and musical top end,
Will's also had a 'better' cartridge.
he had done quite a few mods to get it singing..

so we are not comparing eggs with eggs..
.. and just 'my' veiw of course

steve

[Marco]

Yep, Steve - agreed. I think the big difference was the cartridge and the 12" arm.

The new Jelco arm I've fitted to the 1210 has moved its performance on considerably, and Toppsy is sending me a low-output version of the cartridge (Ortofon SL-15) Will used at Owston. If I like it, I'll be buying it from him

Marco.

[Cotlake]

I second all Clive has said about voltage and CLD plinths. Full on power and Slate is IMHE the way to go for a Garrard. The dropping of voltage supply as advocated by Martin Bastin is very old hat. It was originally recommended by Martin Boardman back in the 1970's where he advocated introducing a lightbulb in series in the power supply to drop voltage, depending on bulb wattage, to as low as 180 VAC. I experimented this tweak and without doubt, full on mains is the way to go. Dropping the voltage makes setting speed much harder and variable and it knocks off the motor torque which results in a loss of PRAT, dynamics and most certainly speed and attack on notes. It makes sense when you think it through. The speed control system for a Garrard is a braking system, being that the control is holding the system back from run away. Consequently, the motor retains it's torque right at the edge of performance and the control holds it back to the right speed.

The benefits of Slate over CLD wood is well documented elsewhere and easily sourced.

Mats on Garrards continue to be a topic discussed. I suspect this is more about an obsolete TT being exchanged without an original mat than for any other reason. Again, IMHE, the original mat on its own workes best. I experimented with a Funk mat and that just muddied the mid range. I did this at a show so others including Peter Comeau heard the result and agreed.

[Mike]

Excellent stuff so far gentlmen.... More please!


Cheers...

[Billericay Dickie]

I second all Clive has said about voltage and CLD plinths. Full on power and Slate is IMHE the way to go for a Garrard. The dropping of voltage supply as advocated by Martin Bastin is very old hat. It was originally recommended by Martin Boardman back in the 1970's where he advocated introducing a lightbulb in series in the power supply to drop voltage, depending on bulb wattage, to as low as 180 VAC. I experimented this tweak and without doubt, full on mains is the way to go. Dropping the voltage makes setting speed much harder and variable and it knocks off the motor torque which results in a loss of PRAT, dynamics and most certainly speed and attack on notes. It makes sense when you think it through. The speed control system for a Garrard is a braking system, being that the control is holding the system back from run away. Consequently, the motor retains it's torque right at the edge of performance and the control holds it back to the right speed.

The benefits of Slate over CLD wood is well documented elsewhere and easily sourced.

Mats on Garrards continue to be a topic discussed. I suspect this is more about an obsolete TT being exchanged without an original mat than for any other reason. Again, IMHE, the original mat on its own workes best. I experimented with a Funk mat and that just muddied the mid range. I did this at a show so others including Peter Comeau heard the result and agreed.

False, The lightbulb tweek doesn't lower the voltage, it lowers the current which in turn reduces the motor torque fyi. :grin:

[Dave Cawley]

It does reduce the voltage! try measuring it.

Dave

[Billericay Dickie]

^ I never did try it but it surely must depend whether the light bulb is wired in series or parallel to the mains supply?