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Garrard 301-Worth the effort?

A friend very generously gave me his Grandfather's Garrard 301 to restore or sell. It's not in bad shape, but won't play yet as it looks like it needs a new idler wheel and spindle (so far). I'm not crazy about the tonearm (Garrard with unknown Shure Cartridge) or plinth (plywood box). My dilemma is whether it's worth the effort and money to fix or would I be better off selling it and putting the money towards something new, possibly a VPI classic with a better tonearm? I currently use a Harman Kardon T-65C with a Grado Statement Sonata II and am very happy. But maybe I don't know any better. I've read great things about the 301, but I'm more into the music than collecting antique pieces.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
heyraz
learsfool
1,206 posts
 
Those are great tables. Restore it and keep it, you won't regret it.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,033 posts
 
.and am very happy. But maybe I don't know any better

That is absolutely ok. There are lots out there who know nothing and are happy with their stuff. Be lucky, this year analog has started to go back to yesteryear. Lots believe in these old designs and are willing to spend a fortune for it. Polish and hug it, or much better, find someone who can drill a plinth from any wood in your area and sell it. Or go in Production with that. You will become wealthy. 10k$ for such a woody unit shouldn't be a big problem. Find some friends at Audiogon who support you and will create a Fangroup. And don't sell to anyone. Offering money is not enough, they have to be worthy to buy it.
thuchan
955 posts
 
as it was said in another thread the Garrard301 is a nice Mini Cooper- nothing more. It depends where you are heading too. Regarding Quality and listening pleasure you may end up somewhere else but if you are enjoying crossing technical barriers this is a `must do project`.

Best @ Fun Only
decibell
41 posts
 
I fully restored a 301 last year, put it in a nice 2" slate plinth and added a 12" Moerch DP-6 on seperate arm base out of brass. I'm using Loricrafts motor controler to supply 220 volt @ 50 Hz. Done right, the high torque idler will become your best friend - I love mine and will not sell it again. You need a heavy and good plinth for the garrard. A separate arm base makes it even more quiet. I'll be glad to give you som tips if you decide to restore.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
logenn
91 posts
 

I am a huge believer in the 301, but if you want it to sing, it must be restored and recommissioned. If you plan to do it on the cheap- forget about it- there are better options.

Steve Dobbins is probably the best person in the US to tweak it and refresh the linkage and idler.

A proper base, made with resonant absorbing material such as panzerholst or slate will tame the idler vibration, is essential. A power supply, although not mandatory, adds another increment of quietness to the motor by making it run smoothly.

Although the consensus is to use a vintage tonearm like an SME, in my opinion it really sings with modern lively tonearms such as the Triplanar- an exceptional combination.

If you make the commitment, you have a top level vinyl rig.
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