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During what was obviously a moment of weakness devoid of forethought, I sold my analog setup (VPI Classic 3, Manley Steelhead, Lyra Kleos). I need to get back into the rabbit hole. With the exception of a brief fling with Michell (Gyro) many years ago, the entirety of my vinyl experience has been with VPI tables (Scout, Scoutmaster, Super Scoutmaster, Classic 1 and Classic 3). But I'm at a point where not only do I want to find a non-VPI table (just because I want to try something different), but also have to contend with the acknowledgement that I know next to nothing about tonearms (other than the two that have come with the various VPI tables over the years).
While I do admit that the HR-X is intriguing, I really should broaden my horizons. I've been looking at Garrard 301 (and the outfits that professionally restore them), various SME tables, Amazon and a few others. But before I go any further, I need some sensible opinions regarding the eye-candy that is the Garrard 301 Classic/Statement by Artisan Fidelity. I have no clue what 301/idler/Artisan Fidelity tables sound like, especially compared to modern tables, and need people with experience to guide me so that I don't jump into the 301 restoration world simply because it looks so beautiful. Regardless of plinth eye-candies, does the sound quality/presentation of a Garrard 301 match/exceed that of modern ($8k+) tables?
I'm open to suggestions as I haven't kept up with the analog world for awhile. After table and tonearm, I'll still need a suitable cart and phono.
While I do admit that the HR-X is intriguing, I really should broaden my horizons. I've been looking at Garrard 301 (and the outfits that professionally restore them), various SME tables, Amazon and a few others. But before I go any further, I need some sensible opinions regarding the eye-candy that is the Garrard 301 Classic/Statement by Artisan Fidelity. I have no clue what 301/idler/Artisan Fidelity tables sound like, especially compared to modern tables, and need people with experience to guide me so that I don't jump into the 301 restoration world simply because it looks so beautiful. Regardless of plinth eye-candies, does the sound quality/presentation of a Garrard 301 match/exceed that of modern ($8k+) tables?
I'm open to suggestions as I haven't kept up with the analog world for awhile. After table and tonearm, I'll still need a suitable cart and phono.