Sir Garrard 401 has Arrived!!
- Thread starter Record Player
- Start date
Hello Prem!
Of course, exotics have always been in every era. Agree with what you have to say about the EMT; its legendary.
But can we expect the same level of engineering (also need to discount the level of technology to be available back in those days to our disposal) which went into- say an SL-1200 at that price and meant for a normal consumer?
And most importantly, not to forget is the fact that most newer designs are based on the designs and principles which were actually either perceived or developed back in those olden days. Since, the turntables were made primarily in that era only, they had a number of problems to tackle. Also, all 3 type of drives, i.e..idler, belt or direct drive, they all were invented back then only. No other drive system, IMO, has come in lately.
The Technics SP-10 was the first direct drive turntable ever available, at least to the consumer. Later, the direct drive went on to become one of the most preferred drive and the Industry standard too.
The speed accuracy of many turntables which were built at an affordable price is still hard to beat.
It is not a question of what the modern engineering 'can' achieve. It is about that how 'seriously' turntables were taken and how step by step all problems were tackled. And to tackle most turntable problems, the subtle engineering details that go into them is simply outstanding. It feels like as if life depended on it!
Hope, I have made my point clear.
Regards,
Saket
Of course, exotics have always been in every era. Agree with what you have to say about the EMT; its legendary.
But can we expect the same level of engineering (also need to discount the level of technology to be available back in those days to our disposal) which went into- say an SL-1200 at that price and meant for a normal consumer?
And most importantly, not to forget is the fact that most newer designs are based on the designs and principles which were actually either perceived or developed back in those olden days. Since, the turntables were made primarily in that era only, they had a number of problems to tackle. Also, all 3 type of drives, i.e..idler, belt or direct drive, they all were invented back then only. No other drive system, IMO, has come in lately.
The Technics SP-10 was the first direct drive turntable ever available, at least to the consumer. Later, the direct drive went on to become one of the most preferred drive and the Industry standard too.
The speed accuracy of many turntables which were built at an affordable price is still hard to beat.
It is not a question of what the modern engineering 'can' achieve. It is about that how 'seriously' turntables were taken and how step by step all problems were tackled. And to tackle most turntable problems, the subtle engineering details that go into them is simply outstanding. It feels like as if life depended on it!
Hope, I have made my point clear.
Regards,
Saket
Last edited:
Saket, engineering developments in hardware is a function of what software is popular. Today it's all about downloads. So all developments will be focused on designing better dacs. Why would anyone invest serious money in developing a better table?
its also a Question of Economics in terms of Economies of Scale and Scope. Building a large number of pieces across Models and sourcing large number of common parts like Motors /Platters etc and making them custom for small lots also make a pretty big difference. and this starts right from Raw materials to capacity utilization
Since the world has moved on to Electronics/chips, all this is speacility and hence costs a lot more
and then there is of course the impact of inflation over time
Since the world has moved on to Electronics/chips, all this is speacility and hence costs a lot more
and then there is of course the impact of inflation over time
Record Player
Well-Known Member
Quick update - 401 mounting cut done on the first layer of marine plywood. Quite happy with the results. The cutting has been done very accurately. Now to get to the other layers.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
what is the thickness of the ply?
Record Player
Well-Known Member
Thickness is 18mm.
musiklava79
Active Member
I can only stare and drool!!! 
hyeah:
An excellent acquisition!
hyeah:An excellent acquisition!
Record Player
Well-Known Member
Gents - The plinth is still in the making. Its taking longer than expected, however all 6 layers of the plinth have been cut with precision. I had forgotten to plan for the holes to bolt the mounting board screws and I immediately spoke with my person before he got them stuck was to drill 8mm diameter holes on the first layer of the mounting board and bigger diameter holes on the other 5 layers as once they are stuck together it will be easy to bolt the screws from underneath. Don't think I have missed any other elementary steps .
Well, these projects do take a significant amount of time and planning & patience play a key role here. Well I really want to see this beauty sing soon...
Will keep you posted.
.Well, these projects do take a significant amount of time and planning & patience play a key role here. Well I really want to see this beauty sing soon...
Will keep you posted.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
Gents - The plinth is still in the making. Its taking longer than expected, however all 6 layers of the plinth have been cut with precision. I had forgotten to plan for the holes to bolt the mounting board screws and I immediately spoke with my person before he got them stuck was to drill 8mm diameter holes on the first layer of the mounting board and bigger diameter holes on the other 5 layers as once they are stuck together it will be easy to bolt the screws from underneath. Don't think I have missed any other elementary steps
Well, these projects do take a significant amount of time and planning & patience play a key role here. Well I really want to see this beauty sing soon...
Will keep you posted.
is each layer 18mm thick?
I met with a carpenter yesterday and he was suggesting making a plinth from teak wood saying that it would be sturdy, heavy and long lasting. Any thoughts?
Record Player
Well-Known Member
Yes Reuben. Each layer is 18mm in thickness. I tried hard to get Birch Plywood but in vain. The next best plinth material was Marine Plywood which I got easily here. There are a lot of speculations on using hard wood as plinth material. I've done a fair bit of reading and also a local friend from UK who is a vinyl enthusiast suggested plywood for the plinth. He also suggested a pure slate plinth, but high grade slate is expensive and difficult to find for our small requirement. My best friend here is into importing of Snooker Tables and these tables use high grade Italian Slate. He has a small piece in spare for me which I may just try a slate plinth but not immediately.
Hardwood plinths are also used widely for 401s & 301s. Shindo makes their plinths with Hardwood.
Hardwood plinths are also used widely for 401s & 301s. Shindo makes their plinths with Hardwood.
Last edited:
reubensm
Well-Known Member
Great, in that case, I'll stick with marine ply. I have a Granite slabs saved from my house construction (kitchen counters) which I plan to use as the base of the plinths for the 401 and L75
Record Player
Well-Known Member
All 6 layers of the plinth have been cut precisely and stuck together. Looks quite alright. Now it goes through it's veneer process and right after a gloss polish. Should be ready by this weekend. BTW, I am getting some custom design spike feet resonators done.
But still no Arm
But still no Arm
Record Player
Well-Known Member
Pictures, or the layers aren't cut and glued yet
I actually dint take pictures this time. The layers are cut and have been stuck together.Ill try and get a few photos before the veneer process.
Cheers...
reubensm
Well-Known Member
Ill try and get a few photos before the veneer process.
Cheers...
Can you post some pics of the different stages, I am very particular about getting my plints to look very classy. Most of the guys I've come across just leave the plinths with the plain ply look. I am considering enclosing the multilayered plinth in a teak wood box (looking at options). Word has spread around Trivandrum that my 401 is on the way. You won't believe this but many are actually wanting to visit, just to glimpse of the legendary Garrard. Many have not seen these decks in their lifetimes
I may be making a rank assumption here but I don't think there are too many, if not any Garrard 301 or 401s in Trivandrum
A beautiful, well-constructed speaker with class-leading soundstage, imaging and bass that is fast, deep, and precise.
