The Garrard 401 and the Aro
Posted by: Mick P on 12 July 2003
Chaps
I thought you may be interested to know that I am taking the Garrard over to Loricraft on Monday in order to have the Aro fitted.
I bought the Garrard about 8 years ago and it was fitted in a Garrard plinth and came with a SME 3009 arm. I fitted a Goldring 1042 catridge and it sounded OK but nothing special.
A couple of years later, I took it to Loricraft for a full service and was pleased to find it was still in good condition.
Terry Sullivan and Nigel of Loricraft explained that the Garrard plinth was about as much use as a chocolate teapot and that I would find a great improvement if I fitted one of their solid wooden plinths.
These plinths are superbly crafted and in my case the wood is 1.125" thick American Ash. These plinths really do transform the sound of the Garrards. They make the sound more solid and the bass is really drawn out and yet the top end is also improved.
I then contacted Frank Abela for a Dynavector 17D2 catridge and at the same time I located an unused, still in the wrapping Rega RB300 arm.
With the new arm and cartridge fitted, the old Garrard was singing like a bird. Several LP12 owners have heard it, including a dealer and they have all said it equals the LP12. The best way of describing it, is that it is effortlessly musical.
Hopefully, in a few days time, it will be back with a brand new Aro and in a couple of weeks, a Loricraft PSU.
I will let you know how it sounds with the Aro fitted, I am keeping my fingers crossed for some good results.
I have heard a Garrard 501 which is a 401 derivitive, fitted with a SME5 plus Loricraft PSU and the sound was staggering, the best I have ever heard. Nigel and Terry keep changing their minds as to whether the Aro beats the SME or vice versa. I just think an Aro and a Garrard will be a great combination.
I will let you know how it goes.
Regards
Mick
I thought you may be interested to know that I am taking the Garrard over to Loricraft on Monday in order to have the Aro fitted.
I bought the Garrard about 8 years ago and it was fitted in a Garrard plinth and came with a SME 3009 arm. I fitted a Goldring 1042 catridge and it sounded OK but nothing special.
A couple of years later, I took it to Loricraft for a full service and was pleased to find it was still in good condition.
Terry Sullivan and Nigel of Loricraft explained that the Garrard plinth was about as much use as a chocolate teapot and that I would find a great improvement if I fitted one of their solid wooden plinths.
These plinths are superbly crafted and in my case the wood is 1.125" thick American Ash. These plinths really do transform the sound of the Garrards. They make the sound more solid and the bass is really drawn out and yet the top end is also improved.
I then contacted Frank Abela for a Dynavector 17D2 catridge and at the same time I located an unused, still in the wrapping Rega RB300 arm.
With the new arm and cartridge fitted, the old Garrard was singing like a bird. Several LP12 owners have heard it, including a dealer and they have all said it equals the LP12. The best way of describing it, is that it is effortlessly musical.
Hopefully, in a few days time, it will be back with a brand new Aro and in a couple of weeks, a Loricraft PSU.
I will let you know how it sounds with the Aro fitted, I am keeping my fingers crossed for some good results.
I have heard a Garrard 501 which is a 401 derivitive, fitted with a SME5 plus Loricraft PSU and the sound was staggering, the best I have ever heard. Nigel and Terry keep changing their minds as to whether the Aro beats the SME or vice versa. I just think an Aro and a Garrard will be a great combination.
I will let you know how it goes.
Regards
Mick