Jerome,
at first, there are some versions of big verdier turntables. A version with an artificial stone epoxy composite and a version with MDF base.
301 and Verdier differs widely in sound and construction. 301 is not about some specific sonic spectacular. In fact, it divests those criterias and tries to integrate many seldom heard qualities. It has a bone dry bass department, but this sounds complex and deep from its massive wood body. It is analytical for such an old idler design and that comes from its mods Shindo does to it. The platter, for instance rings like a bell without the Shindo mat but in combination, it is dead quiet. It has its strength in the idler drive dynamics and the tone colors and transparency, which occurs only when special mods have been done in combination with a plinth, which isnt overdamped like so many others.
I know the Verdier sound, owned it for myself. But its a different kind of animal. It is very good at micro- and macro dynamics and to dive deeply into the sound with a huge and articulated body. But as good as its motor is- it misses the direct contact of motor and platter so the "pratt" is reduced. Some tries to overcome this fact with flywheels. Hadnt tried this method. But to me, its second most impressive was its absolutely steadyness, which for sure comes from its perfect and massive platter in combination with the geniously implemented magnetic bearing. Two different designs. Try to hear both and decide for yourself.