Garrard 401
Vintage & classic turntables · 1965–1976 Discontinued
$1,500–$3,500 typical US used price
The 301's successor kept the heavy idler-drive motor but added a restyled cast chassis and improved shielding. Widely used by the BBC and in serious domestic systems, usually paired with an SME 3009/3012 arm in a heavy plinth.
The last great British idler-drive motor unit, and today the more affordable route into classic Garrard ownership.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history, especially the belt, bearing and stylus.
Specifications
| Drive | idler drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45/78 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | cast aluminium |
| Tonearm | none (motor unit, sold without arm) |
| Years | 1965–1976 |
Cartridge and replacement stylus
The fitted cartridge is not mapped to a verified replacement part. See the model-specific stylus guidance →
Where to buy the Garrard 401
4 US retailers handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Center | music retail | Free standard shipping on most orders $25+. | View at Guitar Center ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | View at Upscale Audio ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |
Compare it
401 vs Thorens TD 124401 vs Technics SL-1200GLD401 vs Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000/4002401 vs Technics SP-10MK2
Compare the 401 against any other deck →
