The Garrard 301 Advanced is a reference-level interpretation of the legendary Garrard 301 transcription turntable. This configuration combines the meticulously engineered 301 motor unit with an acoustically inert Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) plinth and the advanced SME Series VA-12 precision tonearm. The result is a highly rigid, mechanically isolated analogue platform designed for demanding vinyl playback.
The 301 Advanced retains the distinctive rim-drive architecture of the Garrard 301. Its high-mass platter is driven by a spring-suspended and magnetically screened induction motor. The mechanical drive system preserves the fundamental engineering character of the original 301 while the Advanced platform provides a modern, highly controlled foundation.
| Drive Method | Rim Drive / Idler Drive |
|---|---|
| Motor | Induction Motor |
| Motor Suspension | Spring Suspended |
| Magnetic Shielding | Yes |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM / 78 RPM |
| Speed Adjustment | Fine Adjustment Across All Three Speeds |
The 301 Advanced incorporates a high-mass, accurately balanced platter driven around its rim by the Garrard drive system. The original rubber-compound platter mat provides the record interface and maintains the intended mechanical characteristics of the 301 platform.
| Platter Type | High-Mass, Accurately Balanced |
|---|---|
| Drive | Rim Driven |
| Platter Mat | Original Rubber Compound |
The SME Series VA-12 is an advanced precision tonearm developed as an enhanced iteration of the Series V-12 platform. Its CNC-machined tonearm tube uses a high-density, high-rigidity polymer resin designed to provide an acoustically inert structure with a reduced resonance signature. The tonearm is supplied with a broad range of cartridge balance weights to accommodate different cartridge configurations.
| Tonearm Model | SME Series VA-12 |
|---|---|
| Tonearm Type | 12-Inch Precision Tonearm |
| Tonearm Construction | CNC-Machined Polymer Resin |
| Material Characteristic | High Density and High Rigidity |
| Resonance Control | Acoustically Inert / Reduced Resonance Signature |
| Effective Mass | Optimised |
| Cartridge Compatibility | Broad Range with Multiple Balance Weights |
The defining feature of the 301 Advanced is its Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) plinth. The high-density material is designed to be acoustically inert and provide a highly rigid foundation with near-zero resonance. The motor-board is separately isolated from the main plinth structure to further control mechanical energy.
| Plinth Material | Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) |
|---|---|
| Material Characteristic | High Density / Acoustically Inert |
| Resonance | Near-Zero Resonance Design |
| Finish | Painted / Custom RAL Colour Available |
| Motor Board | Isolated from Plinth |
The 301 Advanced incorporates a dedicated isolation system for controlling mechanical energy. The isolated motor board works together with fully adjustable de-coupled feet to provide a stable foundation for the platter and tonearm.
| Motor Board Isolation | Integrated |
|---|---|
| Feet | De-Coupled Isolation Feet |
| Feet Adjustment | Fully Adjustable |
| Footprint | 507 × 344 mm |
The 301 Advanced is equipped with Crystal Cable internal wiring and WBT RCA connectors. The tonearm is mounted using an adjustable base that can be configured for damped or fixed positioning.
| Internal Wiring | Crystal Cable |
|---|---|
| Output Connectors | WBT RCA |
| Tonearm Mounting Base | Adjustable |
| Mounting Configuration | Dampened or Fixed |
The Garrard 301 Advanced supports the three traditional transcription speeds and provides fine speed adjustment for each. The motor and platter system are designed to maintain stable rotational performance while retaining the mechanical character of the Garrard 301 platform.
| Wow | Less Than 0.2% |
|---|---|
| Flutter | Less Than 0.05% |
| 33⅓ RPM Range | 33–34 RPM |
| 45 RPM Range | 44–46 RPM |
| 78 RPM Range | 76–80 RPM |
The 301 Advanced motor supports dual-range mains operation, with the appropriate motor pulley configuration determining operation for 50 Hz or 60 Hz electrical systems.
| Voltage Range | 100–130 V / 200–250 V |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 16 W |
| Width | 563 mm / 56.3 cm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 400 mm / 40 cm |
| Height | 208 mm / 20.8 cm |
| Feet Footprint | 507 × 344 mm |
| Product Weight | 22.85 kg |