Garrard 401 new idler Wheel
 

Decided to upgrade the idler wheel on my 401 as it was looking tired.

After searching the web decided to go for a CNC made idler wheel, the choice was between Artisan Fidelitys at $365 USD or from Audiosilente's at $100USD.

They look identical, so decided to go with the Audiosilente & save a few $.

The installation instructions are not very clear, fortunately, I found a person who had installed the new wheel on his 401 via Audiogon- his instructions were a big help.

Anyway, it was an easy install, switched on the table, and it’s running smoothly & silently.

1st album up was my mono copy of Jimi Hendrix ‘Axis:Bold as Love’ .

What an eye (ear) opener. The punch & dynamic drive that the new idler wheel delivered was incredible! I was and still am, blown away.

listening to Bo Diddley right now, and he is in the room!

A great upgrade at a good price - check out the photos attached.

It's nice to see people making new replacement parts for older machines. Enjoy!

Thanks Maks,

Looking at buying the SMD Acoustics Garrard 401 Stainless Oil Bearing & Spindle Upgrade.

Then an oversized platter.

Then a dedicated power supply.

It great fun slowly upgrading a 401 Turntable-something you cannot do with most modern turntable, apart from VPI.

That should be a fun journey. Getting an older idler like a 401, 301 or a TD-124 is on my to-do list. I use a Dual 1019 for 78s, but it's not in the same class as the others. Keep us posted.

Trying to get my head around the speed control on the outboard power unit. Does this replace the existing eddy current disc speed controller? Would you have to disable it?

Hi AudioGremlin,

I think the eddy brake is removed? I'm not 100% sure.

A mate of mine has the outboard power supply- Ill ask him over the weekend.

Cheers
Nick

Nick,
Nice work. Looks like a very enjoyable project and nice upgrade. Will be watching for the next piece to show up. :thumbsup:

Thanks Nick, that does seem the logical answer. The eddy current disk puts a constant mechanical load on the motor so I wonder what difference in audio performance the power unit alone will make?

I think you are correct. My mate did remove the eddy brake on installing the outboard power box.