Garrard 301 Advanced Painted APR Plinth with SME M2-12R Tonearm
The Garrard 301 Advanced is a reference-level interpretation of the legendary Garrard 301 transcription turntable, combining the meticulously restored 301 motor unit with an advanced Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) plinth and an SME M2-12R precision tonearm. Designed and built with close attention to mechanical accuracy, the 301 Advanced retains the distinctive Garrard rim-drive architecture while introducing a highly rigid, acoustically inert plinth and sophisticated isolation system.
Key Features
- Garrard 301 Advanced transcription turntable.
- Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) high-density plinth.
- Acoustically inert plinth construction with near-zero resonance.
- SME M2-12R 12-inch precision tonearm.
- Rim-driven high-mass platter.
- 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM playback.
- Fine speed adjustment across all three speeds.
- Spring-suspended and magnetically screened induction motor.
- 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 301 chassis.
- Original Garrard rubber-compound platter mat.
- Customisable painted APR plinth finish.
Garrard 301 Drive System
The 301 Advanced retains the distinctive rim-drive architecture of the Garrard 301. Its high-mass platter is driven by an induction motor that is spring suspended and magnetically screened. The motor system is designed to preserve the characteristic mechanical drive and speed stability of the original 301 while being rebuilt to modern standards.
| 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 |
High-Mass Platter
The turntable incorporates a high-mass, accurately balanced platter driven around its rim by the Garrard drive system. The original-style rubber-compound platter mat provides the contact surface between the record and platter while preserving the intended mechanical characteristics of the 301 design.
| Platter Type |
High-Mass, Accurately Balanced |
| Drive |
Rim Driven |
| Platter Mat |
Original Rubber Compound |
SME M2-12R Precision Tonearm
The SME M2-12R is a 12-inch precision tonearm designed to minimise tracking error and provide a rigid, accurately adjustable platform for cartridge alignment. Its traditional J-shaped design incorporates a detachable aluminium headshell with azimuth adjustment, a two-stage tungsten counterbalance system and height adjustment through a thumb wheel.
| Tonearm Model |
SME M2-12R |
| Arm Type |
12-Inch J-Shaped Precision Tonearm |
| Headshell |
Detachable Aluminium |
| Headshell Adjustment |
Azimuth Adjustable |
| Counterbalance |
Two-Stage Tungsten |
| Height Adjustment |
Thumb-Wheel Adjustment |
| Bearing System |
Precision Ball-Race Bearings |
| Cartridge Compatibility |
Wide Range of Cartridges |
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, providing a rigid foundation with extremely low resonance. The plinth incorporates a dedicated motor-board isolation system to mechanically separate the motor assembly from the main structure.
| 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 |
Isolation System
The 301 Advanced uses a dedicated isolation system designed to control mechanical energy within the turntable structure. The plinth motor-board isolation system works together with de-coupled, fully adjustable feet to provide a stable platform for the platter and tonearm.
| Motor Board Isolation |
Integrated |
| Feet |
De-Coupled Isolation Feet |
| Feet Adjustment |
Fully Adjustable |
| Footprint |
507 × 344 mm |
Internal Wiring & Connections
The 301 Advanced is fitted with Crystal Cable internal wiring and WBT RCA connectors. The SME tonearm is integrated into the turntable through an adjustable mounting 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 |
Speed & Performance
The Garrard 301 Advanced supports the three traditional transcription speeds and provides fine speed adjustment for each. Its motor, platter and mechanical drive system are designed to maintain stable rotational performance while retaining the distinctive characteristics of the Garrard 301 platform.
| Wow |
Less Than 0.2% |
| Flutter |
Less Than 0.05% |
| Speed Range – 33⅓ RPM |
33–34 RPM |
| Speed Range – 45 RPM |
44–46 RPM |
| Speed Range – 78 RPM |
76–80 RPM |
Power Requirements
The 301 Advanced motor is designed for dual-range mains operation. The appropriate motor pulley configuration determines operation for either 50 Hz or 60 Hz power systems.
| Voltage Range |
100–130 V / 200–250 V |
| Frequency |
50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Power Consumption |
16 W |
Dimensions & Weight
| 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 |
Included Configuration
- Garrard 301 Advanced Motor Unit
- Advanced Polymer Resin (APR) Painted Plinth
- SME M2-12R Precision Tonearm
- High-Mass Rim-Driven Platter
- Original Rubber-Compound Platter Mat
- Crystal Cable Internal Wiring
- WBT RCA Connectors
- Adjustable Tonearm Mounting Base
- De-Coupled Adjustable Isolation Feet
