Launched in 1964, the Garrard 401 can be considered the British counterpart to the Thorens TD-124. This beautifully engineered turntable was marketed at the time as a "professional transcription turntable." Featuring three speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM), the 401 relies on a minimalist mechanism and a heavy reinforced aluminum platter, driven by an idler wheel system.

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 made by Loricraft Audio. This company, still active today, specializes in restoring Garrard turntables.

Here, the Garrard 401 is mounted on a compact rosewood-style plinth and is equipped with an SME 3009 tonearm, protected by its original dust cover.

The Garrard 401 offers exceptional musicality, with particularly expressive low-end performance.