willandra Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Hi All, Can anyone tell me please how to tell whether a 301 has a grease bearing or an oil bearing? Which of these is considered superior, if there is any difference? How would the sound of a 301 compare with say an LP12, Thorens TD166 etc., assuming similar arm and cartridge? Thanks, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
didier Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Hi Willandra, If you have a look at the bearing itself, njext to the motor or even just down through the hole in the top (with the platter off), a grease bearing will announce itself with a brass capped filler section sitiing at right angles to the main bearing housing. Oil bearings don't have this and are filled from the top, via a filler screw. Generally speaking the top plate will also hint at this, with Schedule /1 usually being grease bearings and Schedule /2 being oil bearings but there are quite a few exceptions so best to look at the bearing itself. If the bearing is looked after well, there's not a lot of difference in the sound of oil and grease though grease models tend to be valued more highly. I haven't had a lot of experience with LP12s and TD166s but the Garrard will hold its own with most things. There is lots and lots and lots of scope for improvement though, including to the original bearing, and though not cheap, it's easy to transform your Garrard into a very competitive deck. Didier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willandra Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Thanks Didier, Cheers, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Analog Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 Hi All, Can anyone tell me please how to tell whether a 301 has a grease bearing or an oil bearing? Which of these is considered superior, if there is any difference? Thanks, Paul Hi Paul, I have attached a picture of the Garrard grease bearing, note the nipple. The grease bearing was first used in the grey hammer tone finish. When the finish changed to off white there was a small run that still used the grease bearing. They are more collectable and the reason why they fetch a bigger price. In terms of performance, your better off with the oil bearing, less friction/drag on the spindle. (use a light 10 viscosity oil). Vince Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willandra Posted November 10, 2013 Author Share Posted November 10, 2013 Thanks Once Analog, it seems mine is an oil bearing, which suits me fine as I want to listen to it, not sell it! Now I just need to decide on an SME 3009, SME 3012 or something totally different. My Decca FFSS is open circuit, and there seems to be nothing else that will fit the Decca arm. Regards, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Analog Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 Thanks Once Analog, it seems mine is an oil bearing, which suits me fine as I want to listen to it, not sell it! Now I just need to decide on an SME 3009, SME 3012 or something totally different. My Decca FFSS is open circuit, and there seems to be nothing else that will fit the Decca arm. Regards, Paul Hi Paul, Please post a picture of your 301 plinth and advise it's dimensions. Vince Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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