Garrard 301 restoration project

[Ammonite Audio]

I´m trawling for an external PSU for my 401 as well.

I´ve dealt with Ray at CTC before, and found him a great chap.

He´s got these: http://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/pr...upply-unit-psu



Should do what the rest of the pinnacle products do, but at slightly lower cost it seems.

Anyone knows anything about them or perhaps even tried one ?

Looks interesting and stylish, and priced in the same area as Martin Bastin's PSUs. I use a Martin Bastin PSU with my Thorens TD-124, but I don't think it's wise to do speed selection entirely electronically like this, since you're then asking the motor to run across a very wide speed range; and it probably won't like that. Furthermore, I've found that these old shaded pole motors do seem to work best when a mere touch of eddy brake is applied (Martin Bastin did tell me why this is a good thing, but I discovered the fact by listening). I also discovered that idlers can easily lose their sonic 'drive' if the supply voltage is lowered too much, so in practice it seems to be better to set voltage relatively high at 220-240v, apply a touch of eddy braking, and then tweak the supply frequency to get correct rotational speed.

[DarrenHW]

COME ON MIKE NEW WHERE IS THE GARRARD 301 BEARING

+1, have you heard anything from him on the progression of this?

Nice feet, where did you get them / what's the max height?

[Wakefield Turntables]

Guys I will reply tonight when I get back from work.

[Tim]

Attachment 13952

New feet fitted, £36 for 4, excellent quality. Levelling the 301 is now a piece of cake. They sit on Sorbothane footers.

Where did you find these Andy, I like em'?

[Riislingen]

Looks interesting and stylish, and priced in the same area as Martin Bastin's PSUs. I use a Martin Bastin PSU with my Thorens TD-124, but I don't think it's wise to do speed selection entirely electronically like this, since you're then asking the motor to run across a very wide speed range; and it probably won't like that. Furthermore, I've found that these old shaded pole motors do seem to work best when a mere touch of eddy brake is applied (Martin Bastin did tell me why this is a good thing, but I discovered the fact by listening). I also discovered that idlers can easily lose their sonic 'drive' if the supply voltage is lowered too much, so in practice it seems to be better to set voltage relatively high at 220-240v, apply a touch of eddy braking, and then tweak the supply frequency to get correct rotational speed.

Hi Hugo,

I suppose the appliance in question can work like you describe, as it can do fixed or variable voltage up to 240v, then use the eddy brake and tune with the adjustable frequency pot - at least that was my plan.

I´ve sent over a deposit for one, so let´s see what it can do once I get around to actually acquiring one.

[Wakefield Turntables]

OK, bearing now gone. I spoke to Martin Bastin today and it appears that i can do a lot more with the 301.

1. Fit a PSU and remove the eddy brake.
2. Earth the 301 correctly.
3. Further improve on vibration elimination.

I may be getting a new Martin Bastin designed PSU "MAY" being the operative word. It all depends on how he's fixed when I next speak to him. I've been promised more info on properly earthing the 301, Martin has suggested some quite interesting things which can be done in this department. Finally vibration elimination appears to be another area where Martin thinks that things can be improved. I'll be posting more pics and advice as this project develops.

I´m trawling for an external PSU for my 401 as well.

I´ve dealt with Ray at CTC before, and found him a great chap.

He´s got these: http://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/pr...upply-unit-psu



Should do what the rest of the pinnacle products do, but at slightly lower cost it seems.

Anyone knows anything about them or perhaps even tried one ?

This is the sort of thing I won't be buying. It dosen't fit my HIFI ethos. The fascia plates and knobs add £100 alone to the cost of this PSU. It's too blingy for a start and why do we need the bright blue voltage meter? Surely the voltage meter is only going to be used a few times? Its a waste of money and just adds more components into the design of the PSU. This PSU digitally corrects the voltage output PSU, again a hell of a lot of faffing and components which add cost. I'm afraid Martin Bastin is getting my money.

Looks interesting and stylish, and priced in the same area as Martin Bastin's PSUs. I use a Martin Bastin PSU with my Thorens TD-124, but I don't think it's wise to do speed selection entirely electronically like this, since you're then asking the motor to run across a very wide speed range; and it probably won't like that. Furthermore, I've found that these old shaded pole motors do seem to work best when a mere touch of eddy brake is applied (Martin Bastin did tell me why this is a good thing, but I discovered the fact by listening). I also discovered that idlers can easily lose their sonic 'drive' if the supply voltage is lowered too much, so in practice it seems to be better to set voltage relatively high at 220-240v, apply a touch of eddy braking, and then tweak the supply frequency to get correct rotational speed.

Martin Bastin pretty much verified this today when I spoke to him over the phone.

+1, have you heard anything from him on the progression of this?

Nice feet, where did you get them / what's the max height?

Still a WIP according to Mike. The feet give approx. 70mm clearence and even more when the feet are extended.

Where did you find these Andy, I like em'?

km.sounds.ltd ON EBAY.

[Tim]

Thanks Andy

[A.Grail]

Sadly there is no ideal voltage setting as Garrard produced slight variations to the 301 motor during it's production in terms of windings and casework. In simple terms the drag of the magnet actually assists the motor. Trying voltage / frequencies that suit your ear is the way to go here. Personally we tried numerous methods to lower vibration with PSU's before deciding the problem of vibration is more to do with it's transference to the platter and as such we played with thicker chassis and bracing before completely detaching the motor from the chassis and allowing a resin (Impregnated) platform within the plinth to secure the motor. This solution drastically reduces vibration. Dr. Bastin does similar with his Max plank although Bob C'c Cusworth plinth is rather more engineered but sadly now out of production.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Matt which resin do you use in your plinths?

Well I have to be cheeky and ask!

[A.Grail]

Matt which resin do you use in your plinths?

Well I have to be cheeky and ask!

The Cusworth plinth I use was Made by Bob C. The resin is impregnated with bentonite clay