Garrard 301 Classic Turntable
The Garrard 301 Classic brings the legendary Garrard 301 transcription turntable back in a meticulously rebuilt and modernised configuration. It combines the iconic 301 rim-drive motor unit with a precision SME M2-12R tonearm and a handcrafted solid walnut isolation plinth. The result is a high-end analogue turntable that preserves the character and engineering principles of the original Garrard 301 while incorporating carefully restored and upgraded components for contemporary high-fidelity playback.
Key Features
- Modern Garrard 301 Classic transcription turntable.
- Meticulously rebuilt Garrard 301 motor unit.
- Rim-driven, high-mass platter.
- 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM playback.
- Fine speed adjustment for all three speeds.
- SME M2-12R precision 12-inch tonearm.
- Handcrafted solid walnut isolation plinth.
- Plinth chassis with isolated suspension.
- Adjustable tonearm base with damped or fixed positioning.
- Adjustable feet with integrated isolation system.
- Original-style high-quality enamel finish on the motor unit.
- Original rubber-compound platter mat.
- Dual-range voltage configuration.
- Handcrafted construction with attention to original Garrard design.
Garrard 301 Drive System
The heart of the 301 Classic is the legendary Garrard 301 transcription motor. The high-mass platter is driven around its rim by the mechanical drive system, providing the characteristic high-torque operation associated with the original 301. The motor is spring suspended and magnetically screened to help control vibration and interference.
| 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 |
Approximately ±2.5% |
High-Mass Platter
The 301 Classic uses a high-mass, accurately balanced platter designed around the original Garrard 301 architecture. Its rim-drive configuration provides a direct mechanical connection between the drive system and platter, while the supplied rubber-compound mat provides the record interface.
| Platter Type |
High-Mass, Accurately Balanced |
| Drive |
Rim Driven |
| Platter Material |
Die-Cast Aluminium |
| Platter Mat |
Original Rubber Compound |
SME M2-12R Tonearm
The 301 Classic is equipped with an SME M2-12R precision tonearm. The 12-inch arm is mounted to the dedicated arm position in the walnut plinth and provides a high-quality mechanical platform for cartridge alignment and vinyl playback.
| Tonearm |
SME M2-12R |
| Arm Type |
12-Inch Precision Tonearm |
| Tonearm Base |
Adjustable |
| Base Positioning |
Damped or Fixed |
| Cartridge |
Compatible with User-Selected Cartridge |
Solid Walnut Isolation Plinth
The 301 Classic is mounted in a handcrafted solid walnut isolation plinth designed specifically for the Garrard 301 motor unit. The plinth incorporates an isolated chassis suspension and adjustable feet with an isolation system to provide a stable and mechanically controlled foundation.
| Plinth Material |
Solid Walnut |
| Plinth Type |
Isolation Plinth |
| Chassis |
Die-Cast Aluminium |
| Suspension |
Isolated Plinth Chassis |
| Feet |
Adjustable with Isolation System |
| Finish |
Walnut |
Speed Control
The 301 Classic retains the three-speed capability of the original Garrard 301. All three speeds can be finely adjusted, allowing the platter speed to be accurately set for different recording standards and listening requirements.
| 33⅓ RPM Range |
33–34 RPM |
| 45 RPM Range |
44–46 RPM |
| 78 RPM Range |
76–80 RPM |
| Speed Fine Adjustment |
Approximately ±2.5% |
Performance
The mechanical design of the 301 Classic is focused on stable and accurate platter rotation. The carefully rebuilt motor unit, high-mass platter, isolated plinth and precision tonearm work together to provide a controlled platform for high-quality analogue playback.
| Wow |
Less Than 0.2% |
| Flutter |
Less Than 0.05% |
| Power Consumption |
16 W |
Power Configuration
The Garrard 301 Classic motor is designed for dual voltage ranges, allowing configuration for different electrical standards. The motor pulley is available for either 50 Hz or 60 Hz operation.
| Voltage Range |
100–130 V / 200–250 V |
| Frequency |
50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Power Consumption |
16 W |
Dimensions
| Width |
640 mm / 64 cm |
| Depth |
480 mm / 48 cm |
| Height |
215 mm / 21.5 cm |
| Height Measurement |
Feet to Top of Tonearm |