Which turntable?

[GF670]

I’ve recently put together a system in my study and am looking to add a turntable. I would like something classic - either an idler or direct drive. Possibly a Garrard 301.

One problem is that the room is upstairs and has suspended wood floors. Ideally I would want the turntable on a table/sideboard/rack rather than on a wall. In my past experience my LP12 hasn’t worked at all in such a setup - it tend to skip if you walk to closely or accidentally bang the sideboard.

So my question is whether an idler or direct drive turntable would be any better in this respect, and what, if anything, would work best?

 

[Burdy]

At the 301 budget level I would go for a Technics SP10. With Fidelity Research arm if you can. Decent plinth of course. It will sound good, no fettling, will never break and when you want a change you should at least get your money back.

 

[Woodface]

I’d save a lot of money & just get a decent modern Technics like a GR. It will be different from an LP12 & give you no hassle.

 

[Fergus]

There’s a man on this forum with a nice Garrard for sale.

[FS] - Garrard 401 - Classic Turntable Co

For sale is my Classic Turntable Co Garrard 401. It is a flat strobe, serial number 15775. I bought this from 'Weecrackpot' on PFM 5 or 6 years ago and has worked flawlessly since I got it. The 401 comes with a cork mat (not sure I have an original 401 mat but if I do come across it it'll be...

pinkfishmedia.net

 

[GF670]

Thanks some good suggestions maybe a Technics would be a good idea. I do like the looks of the Garrards though, or perhaps a TD 124. I will do some research as it’s more of a long term aim and it would be good to get something nice.

 

[Martyn Miles]

By far the best turntable I ever had for isolation was an AR XA.
Much better then my LP12.

 

[jan tomczak]

I’ve had a garrard 401 and currently a thorens td124, both have been on an oak sideboard which stands on a suspended floor. Both turntables’ plinths have had anti-vibration buffers/feet screwed in, purchased from Vital-Parts uk.

I can thump the sideboard or stomp on the floor whilst playing records without any needle skipping…whether them being straight, tapered or conical in design…the buffers are completely fit for this purpose and a pretty inexpensive product.

 

[stevec67]

AR XA is very stable. Sounds good too, but rare. Idlers are vibration resistant, so but without fear.

 

[RJohan]

By far the best turntable I ever had for isolation was an AR XA.
Much better then my LP12.

I once had an early AR (two motor). Yes you could bang on it with a hammer, nothing happened.

 

[AudioAl]

Fit and forget , Buy a Technics 1200 GR , Job done.

 

[GF670]

Fit and forget , Buy a Technics 1200 GR , Job done.

Could be a good option!

 

[MotelBlues]

I bought a 1210GR to use whilst my 301 was away at the Elderly Gramophone Hospital. Having used both in the same system, I’m not sure there’s enough between them to justify the faff/expense/paranoia of vintage when starting from scratch.

 

[Martyn Miles]

I once had an early AR (two motor). Yes you could bang on it with a hammer, nothing happened.

I once demonstrated it to a neighbour.
Using a wooden mallet, I struck the top plate.
He was amazed.

 

[menameisengine]

Lp12 ekos mk2 lingo 1 serviced all ya need and mega cart

 

[SamB1]

If you can afford a properly restored Garrard 301(or 401) get it. I've had many tables over the course of five plus decades including AR's, Technics, Thorens, Lenco's, etc, and while they're all wonderful, my recently acquired 301 is an absolute winner. Solid as they come, it's also a beautiful table, and a wonderful piece of history. You'll never be sorry. But again, it's important that it's had a proper going over first.

 

[John]

I’ve recently put together a system in my study and am looking to add a turntable. I would like something classic - either an idler or direct drive. Possibly a Garrard 301.

One problem is that the room is upstairs and has suspended wood floors. Ideally I would want the turntable on a table/sideboard/rack rather than on a wall. In my past experience my LP12 hasn’t worked at all in such a setup - it tend to skip if you walk to closely or accidentally bang the sideboard.

So my question is whether an idler or direct drive turntable would be any better in this respect, and what, if anything, would work best?

Do a search on In-Soles or mushrooms and consider replacing the springs on your LP12. It’s a relatively cheap move and one that should greatly improve the performance of the deck and make it far less susceptible to the problems a bouncy suspension causes.

 

[Nic Robinson]

I bought a 1210GR to use whilst my 301 was away at the Elderly Gramophone Hospital. Having used both in the same system, I’m not sure there’s enough between them to justify the faff/expense/paranoia of vintage when starting from scratch.

I have a GR and a fettled 401 with SME 3012 in a Bastin plinth. As they have the same cart (95ML) they're easy to compare and there really isn't much between them. Absolutely solid pitch stability on both. The 401 will probably win out as it's just a tiny bit more laid back in its presentation (which probably means the GR has higher fidelity but...you know...) and looks gorgeous.

No desire to go back to rubber bands.

 

[GF670]

If you can afford a properly restored Garrard 301(or 401) get it. I've had many tables over the course of five plus decades including AR's, Technics, Thorens, Lenco's, etc, and while they're all wonderful, my recently acquired 301 is an absolute winner. Solid as they come, it's also a beautiful table, and a wonderful piece of history. You'll never be sorry. But again, it's important that it's had a proper going over first.

That’s a lovely looking turntable - from a pride of ownership perspective alone it would be a great option.

 

[Nic Robinson]

Thrilled with mine:

 

[Rexton]

Thrilled with mine:

Martin Bastin - Max Planck plinth? I have one of these, is he still selling them?