Garrard 301 Advanced Painted APR Plinth with SME VA-12 Tonearm

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.

Key Features

• Garrard 301 Advanced reference turntable.
• Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) high-density plinth.
• Acoustically inert plinth construction with near-zero resonance.
• SME Series VA-12 precision tonearm.
• Rim-driven, high-mass and accurately balanced platter.
• 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM playback.
• Fine adjustment available across all three speeds.
• Spring-suspended and magnetically screened induction motor.
• Integrated plinth motor-board isolation system.
• Fully adjustable de-coupled isolation feet.
• Adjustable tonearm mounting base.
• Crystal Cable internal wiring.
• WBT RCA connectors.
• Authentic period paint finish on the Garrard chassis.
• Original rubber-compound platter mat.
• Painted APR plinth available in customised RAL colours.

Garrard 301 Drive System

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.

High-Mass Platter

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.

SME Series VA-12 Tonearm

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.

Advanced Polymer Resin Plinth

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.

Isolation System

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.

Internal Wiring & Connections

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.

Speed & Performance

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.

Power Requirements

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.

Dimensions & Weight

Included Configuration

• Garrard 301 Advanced Motor Unit
• Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) Painted Plinth
• SME Series VA-12 Precision Tonearm
• High-Mass Rim-Driven Platter
• Original Rubber-Compound Platter Mat
• Crystal Cable Internal Wiring
• WBT RCA Connectors
• Adjustable Tonearm Mounting Base
• Fully Adjustable De-Coupled Isolation Feet