Was at Virens place yesterday

[prem]

Yesterday I was in Delhi and managed to get some time off to go and listen to Virens system. Heard his single drivers with the 2A3 integrated. Source was a modded Garrard 301 and a Linn.

To my ears the Garrard 301 was way superior to Linn. It was far more musical, immediate and alive.

Virens amp and speakers were extremely musical and for the price its a steal. I would strongly recommend his combo.

And finally a thanks to Viren for accommodating me at such short notice.

 

[square_wave]

Very interesting.

Here is a Gerrard 301 restoration project in six moons.

6moons audio reviews: Garrard 301 Restoration Project

I liked the following comment:

A Deep Dark Secret
In the deep recesses of the audio underground where single-ended amplifiers, horn-loaded loudspeakers and single & field-coil drivers dance in the shadows of the audio illuminati's imagination, there is a secret whispered among the faithful: "A fully restored and hot-rodded vintage Garrard 301 transcription turntable is the ultimate analog musical device."

 

[G401fan]

I used to own a Linn Sondek (1982 model) and now have a 301(1956 manufacture). The Linn is an excellent TT , sounding way better than most of the TTs I'd heard before, but the 301 is in another league altogether.

There is a mod made by Shindo, Japan which brings the price beyond $25K. A review is available at:

Pushing the Art of Listening to Vinyl, Part 1: Shindo 301 Vinyl Playback System Review - Equipment Reviews - Dagogo

 

[Rajiv]

Hi,

Art Dudley has written about the Garrard 301 and the Thorens TD124 in the Feb 2011 issue of Stereophile.


Art is also a long time Linn LP12 owner.

It was far more musical, immediate and alive.

I agree the Garrard is more immediate and alive but I find the fludity and airyness of the Linn and TD 124 more to my liking.

Regards
Rajiv

 

[anm]

prem - you should have told us so that we could have joined you at Viren's place for a coffee.

 

[prem]

Hi Anm

It happened all very suddenly. I came by the morning flight. Had a meeting at 10 and another at 2 and my return flight was at 5 in the evening. My morning meeting got over real fast and i could pull out an hour. So i called Viren to check if i could come. Nothing was pre planned.

Hi Rajiv

The Linn did not sound airy at Virens place.

 

[subhobh]

Being a fan of Viren sirs products, I can well imagine how good the experience was. I am in love with the Harmony one speaker+845 amp pair.

 

[prem]

Viren is also working on a SET amp using the GM 70 tube. So that should give music lovers a wide variety of choices. He already has a 2A3, a 845 and a 6C33C SET amp