garrard 401 - thorens td150

[KentT]

The SME 3009 is a nice enough tonearm I could live with one as my only tonearm, there is nothing which needs to be said about how redoubtable the Garrard 401 is. It is still one of the top idler decks ever made, an engineering and sonic force to be reckoned with.

[b6ave]

Cool thanks for the advice. I have already seen the layers of beauty site an almost have enough money to get one. There's a place in Berkshire that services 401s but they are not cheap can anyone recommend somewhere in the south of England to get it serviced. Also is the sme v a huge difference in quality over the 3009 improved ?

Thanks

Mike

[Eoin]

Believe so but can't speak from experience. I have a series 3 SME which is different to either.

But if you check SMEs website then there's also the IV which is similar but less expensive and the 309 which is again less expensive but similar. Another choice is the 312 which is a twelve inch version of the 309 and is definitely possible on a new plinthed 401. There's also the 12" version of the SME V but it's very very expensive indeed. All beautiful bits of equipment.

[Eoin]

See here

http://forums.naimaudio.com/displayForu ... 8606577603

[b6ave]

Awesome thanks for the link. The garrard looks amazing on the granite plinth. Im sure someone said that the garrards dont sound good on a granite plinth and that the wooden ones are better. I guess you could go on forever deciding which plinth to go for. Its a real shame I cant try before I buy on these kind of things.

Thanks,

Mike

[Eoin]

You could. Several plinth makers in the uk, if interested you could travel to hear them. Think the plinth above is slate I think.

Also google inspire audio that do some lovely wood plinths. Got one on ebay at the minute.

[Boukman]

i would try it before spending money on service. If it runs quietly and at the right speed, why bother? Just make sure the spindle is properly lubricated. The 3009 arm is perfect as well.

[b6ave]

I've been listening to it as it is an too me it sounds very good. The only thing I have to compare it to is my cdx2 an 555ps an its not far off. The only thing is I havent a clue on how to use it or set up the arm. I should download the instructions me thinks. Is there a good site to help beginners to vinyl how to set up the arm etc.

Thanks

Mike

[Boukman]

Download the instruction manual for the arm. Make sure you have a good small allen key for Height adjustment. Sme's are pretty straightforward

[b6ave]

Ok cool thanks. Where is the Best place to download the instruction manual. I've just bought a plinth from inspire hifi it also comes with a mint 401 for a
Very good price so will be putting the arm on that selling my garrard

Thanks

Mike

[youngdand]

how much are you looking for the 401? PM me.

[krenzler]

Where is the Best place to download the instruction manual

Well, here at VE where else??

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/sme/3009.shtml

[b6ave]

Cool thanks. My new 401 an plinth will be on its way to me soon. I've taken the sme arm off ready to fit on the. New deck when it arrives. The current cartridge is a
Shure m75ed type 2 has anyone had any experience with this if it's any good or if it's rubbish an needs
Changing. My other garrard will be up for sale pretty soon.
Thanks

[krenzler]

You could put a new Jico SAS stylus on the M75 and then you'd have a very nice sounding MM and also a classic combination with the 3009 Improved.

http://stylus.export-japan.com/product_ ... ts_id=1457