Garrard 401 Turntable / SME 3009 Series II Tonearm

The legendary Garrard Model 401 turntable really needs little introduction. Introduced in 1965 and produced until 1976 it is one of the most sought after vintage turntables there is. It is fitted here with an example of the highly regarded vintage SME 3009 Series II tonearm, a popular combination at the time. They are both in good fully working condition, including the pitch control which is working fine. Please note the turntable does not have the required 78 RPM spindle fitted, and the original DIN cable so this has been replaced with RCA plugs.
Garrard Say….
A Transcription Turntable designed to meet the most exacting requirements. The Garrard Model 401 is the culmination of half a century of experience in the design and manufacture of high quality record playing equipment and has the elegant appearance characteristic of the best British engineering products. The superlative performance of this model is achieved by such features as a heavy, balanced turntable with a robust, super-finished spindle, a sturdy intermediate driving wheel and a turntable mat of electrically conducting rubber to neutralize the static charge on records while on turntable. Each speed can be set precisely by means of a special eddy current braking system and stroboscopic markings on the turntable illuminated by a high-intensity neon lamp. Every Model 401 is supplied complete with a set of fixing screws, an adaptor for playing records with 1.5in (38 mm) centre holes, lubricating oil, a mounting template, an individual test report and full instructions.
Specifications:
Platter: diecast aluminium with an anti-static rubber mat and stroboscopic engraving on rim
Base plate: diecast aluminium, ribbed for rigidity
Motor: shaded-pole induction type, magnetically screened by a heavy cast-iron case and suspended on 6 tensioned springs, dynamically balanced rotor
Voltage: dual range 110/115 and 220/250 volts AC
Frequency: 50 or 60 Hz dependent on motor pulley and platter fitted
Wow: less than 0.08% RMS
Flutter: less than 0.04% RMS
Dimensions: 349 (W) x 371 (D) x 150 (H) mm (turntable unit only)
Weight: 7.9 kg
SME Said….
The realism and clarity of a stereo record reflect the skill and technical perfection underlying its manufacture. Only when this is maintained in the reproducing equipment can justice be done to the art of the recording engineers. In playing a gramophone record the stylus must follow a path of extraordinary complexity and be highly compliant if the minute detail of the groove is to be traced without damage. Even the best cartridge cannot achieve this unless it is poised free from extraneous influences. The design of a carrying arm capable of realising the full potential of pick-up and record is highly specialised Involving many problems. These have been successfully resolved in the S.M.E., an instrument of unrivalled quality presented with confidence that the user will endorse the claim ‘The best pick-up arm In the world’.
Design Features:
Compensation is provided for the force which tries to move a pick-up arm towards the centre of a record.
The arm is given an opposing bias, adjustable for various tracking pressures, which balances the stylus centrally in the groove so that It does not favour one wall.
Precision ball races and knife-edge bearings reduce pivot friction to approximately 0.02 gram measured at the stylus. Cartridges can be used at optimum stylus pressure without the excess weight otherwise required to overcome friction in the pivots.
A carefully chosen offset minimises distortion due to tracking error.
The tubular tone arm has a wood lining and the balance system is decoupled by a compliant joint. Resonances are placed where they can have no effect on the recorded range.
The balance system permits accurate longitudinal and lateral balance of cartridges from 7-20 grammes weight and tracking pressures from 1/4 to 5 grammes applied precisely without the need for a stylus pressure gauge.
Versatile and quickly aligned for optimum tracking by sliding the base on Its graduated bed plate using the protractor included with each arm. Full advantage can be taken of the best present and future cartridges. Impracticable with arms of ‘integrated’ design.
Lever operated raising and lowering control gives automatic slow descent. Fascinating to use – safeguards valuable records.

For a review from Hi-Fi News magazine please click here