The New Garrard 301

[airdronian]

That's right, a new production Garrard. As many know, SME bought the rights to Garrard and Loricraft.

Pic from an internet source, apparently this will be at the Munich show. At least this pic is supposed to be the new one.

 

[Audionut]

So I almost spit out my coffee! (Thankfully I’m drinking the cold variety.)
Price point? I’ve actually been on the hunt for one as of late.

 

[Redboy]

Price point? I’ve actually been on the hunt for one as of late.

My sources say £12,500 with plinth and SME M2-12R tonearm. I wonder how much they've changed below deck, where it counts...

 

[UncleBingo]

12,500 Pounds Sterling? Holey Schnikeys

 

[Redboy]

12,500 Pounds Sterling? Holey Schnikeys

That was my reaction too, but when you consider that it includes the plinth and a 12” SME tonearm, well... It’s not out of line in the scheme of audiophile pricing.

For my money, I’d still prefer to have an original original 301with more character.

And this official Garrard reissue or whatever it is... I wonder if there are any ramifications for the guys making faithful copies, like Ray Clark of the Classic Turntable Company.

 

[MrEd]

I would agree with Nate, for that kind of doe I would have nice original.
Although if that is the new, well looks pretty darned good.
One does wonder about the guts though.

 

[Audionut]

My sources say £12,500 with plinth and SME M2-12R tonearm. I wonder how much they've changed below deck, where it counts...

Back on the hunt for an original....

 

[UncleBingo]

I'll clarify that my reaction is not a comment on whether it's WORTH it

That's not for me to say other than that I'm happy it's available

Not everybody likes actual vintage stuff, not everybody likes buying used stuff, and most people don't have the time or skills to do the work necessary to pull a build like that together

 

[joe83]

That was my reaction too, but when you consider that it includes the plinth and a 12” SME tonearm, well... It’s not out of line in the scheme of audiophile pricing.

For my money, I’d still prefer to have an original original 301with more character.

And this official Garrard reissue or whatever it is... I wonder if there are any ramifications for the guys making faithful copies, like Ray Clark of the Classic Turntable Company.

The 301 would not have protection under UK law and now that CTC have been making theirs Sme/garrard couldn't take out any new form of protection, maybe they will come to some sort of arrangement. I would have thought SME would have got CTC to make for them...

 

[JohnVF]

That’s a lot of bananas. But more power to them if it sells.

 

[airdronian]

Herb's pre-show note - Garrard 301 turntable

If Spendor is making the plinth, I'm sure it will be fine quality however hand building things such as this in the UK doesn't lend itself to modest prices. Spendor, Harbeth, KEF (thinking just Blades and Reference series made there), SME, the list goes on I'm sure.

It's not for me though. I was just thinkin' about you idler guys.

 

[joe83]

Quite a few people have been told that SME are refurbishing 301s not actually making new ones, on the SME website it say as much

SME | Heritage

sme.co.uk

SME acquires the Garrard audio brand, a famous British turntable manufacturer. Garrard will be revived under SME with continued service and refurbishment of the iconic 301 & 401 turntables and ultimately development of a new generation Garrard turntable

 

[prime minister]

All indications seem to be that they will be building new tables. I'm hoping they come up with a new Garrard 901 that uses a lot of the original ideas, but is also thoroughly updated and modernized. Much like Technics did.

 

[fiddlefye]

All indications seem to be that they will be building new tables. I'm hoping they come up with a new Garrard 901 that uses a lot of the original ideas, but is also thoroughly updated and modernized. Much like Technics did.

I'm pretty sure these are more 301s in concept, general appearance etc. but otherwise new.

 

[JohnVF]

I hope that for that price they’re all new.

 

[TubeHiFiNut]

I hope they are great tables and sell like hotcakes.