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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Garrard 401 Transcription Turntable (1964-1977) is a legendary idler-wheel drive turntable designed for professional broadcast use, later adopted by audiophiles for its exceptional speed stability and durability. Featuring a heavy cast aluminum chassis (later upgraded to stainless steel in modern rebuilds), it became a favorite for custom plinth builds and tonearm configurations. Approximately 74,000 units were produced, with modern restorations often including precision-machined components, upgraded motor mounts, and modular platter systems for improved performance. Recent high-end rebuilds by specialists like Artisan Fidelity and Jean Nantais achieve prices up to .
Turntable mechanics and performance
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the 401 Transcription in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Classic Wood's platter weight is 20 kg (44 lbs) against the 401 Transcription's 13.61 kg (30 lbs), its drive type String against Idler, and its weight 20 kg (44 lbs) against 13.61 kg (30 lbs).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The Full Metal's platter weight is 8 kg (18 lbs) against the 401 Transcription's 13.61 kg (30 lbs), its drive type Belt against Idler, and its weight 21.77 kg (48 lbs) against 13.61 kg (30 lbs).
The Valore 425 Plus's platter weight is 9.07 kg (20 lbs) against the 401 Transcription's 13.61 kg (30 lbs), its drive type Belt against Idler, and its weight 9.07 kg (20 lbs) against 13.61 kg (30 lbs).
The Champion Basic's platter weight is 12 kg (26 lbs) against the 401 Transcription's 13.61 kg (30 lbs), its drive type Belt against Idler, and its weight 12 kg (26 lbs) against 13.61 kg (30 lbs).
Merrill Audio Merrill Heirloom
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