Launched in 1964, the Garrard 401 was the British competitor to the Thorens TD-124. This superbly engineered turntable was introduced at the time as a "professional transcription turntable." Featuring three speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM), the 401 is based on a minimalist mechanism and a heavy reinforced aluminum platter driven by an idler wheel.

As a professional-grade turntable, the Garrard 401 was most often sold without a plinth, though the manufacturer offered customers the option to have one built by Loricraft Audio. This company, still in business today, specializes in the restoration of Garrard turntables.

Here, the Garrard 401 is mounted on a large rosewood-style plinth and equipped with an SME 3012 Series II tonearm. It is presented without a dust cover.

The musicality of the Garrard 401 is exceptional, with a particularly expressive low end.

A British legend in vinyl playback.