Had the pleasure of meeting Ray Clark today and listening to a solid brass version of this http://www.classichifi-shop.co.uk/so...-301-in-black/
The sound can only be described as incredible. Having owned a Michel Gyro, NA Spacedeck with heavy platter and various other turntables I'm embarrassed to say this was my first time hearing a 301 and I was stunned !
The deck was mounted in a granite SMD plinth (Peak HiFi do them) with a 12" SME arm and between tracks there was nothing, no rumble, just empty blackness. I took my trusty reference LP along and played Tuck and Patty's " They can't take that away from me" and have never heard it sounding so good.
After 12 or so years swapping decks and never being happy with the sound, I left Ray's with my fully restored, mint 301, (which I travelled over to collect) knowing what level it is possible to achieve with vinyl playback,
Aside from now having a stunningly beautiful 301 in it's Garrard 301 box sat in my living room awaiting a plinth, I will go to sleep cursing Ray for giving me a taste of solid chassis heaven and cruelly letting me walk away !
Sorry for sounding all poetic etc but it was that good !
Cheers
Jonny
pairing it with this amazing Tonearm from New Zealand !
