Loricraft Audio is near the original Garrard factory which was located in Swindon. Following negotiations with Gradiente of Brazil (the trademark owners) Loricraft now have the sole rights to the Garrard name and trademark in the U.K. and many other countries. A number of former Garrard employees were consulted during the design stage of the 501, in particular Brian Mortimer, the former head of Quality Control at the Swindon factory. Brian's father, the late Edmund (Monty) Mortimer was the head of research at Garrard, and so there is an unbroken link with the Garrard's tradition of engineering and innovation.

For a brief time the Garrard trademark was licensed in the U.S. to a replacement parts company, which we understand had closed their doors a few years ago. It is unsure if the Garrard trademark is still held here. For this reason the Garrard 501 turntable is being marketed and sold as the Loricraft 501 in North America.

The 501 uses advances in technology which have come about in the years since the classic 401 ceased production, including an advanced bearing developed from and interchangeable with the original 301/401. It also used the years of experience Loricraft has gained in rebuilding and restoring these classic turntables.

The 501 incorporates our very own Aroflux™ motor, developed by Nigel Pearson, which features a unique flying thrust bearing, making it one of the quietest units ever used in this application. It was recently reviewed by Audiophile Magazine of Germany, who said "It is a completely new patent pending design. An electromechanical marvel with a precisely balanced rotor floating on air, its three speeds all variable from 30 to 100 rpm via the world famous PSU power supply." Concluding, Audiophile Magazine granted the 501 their highly coveted "Weltklasse" status.

Two models of the Loricraft 501 are offered:

The Inspiration is the "top-of-the-line" with the turntable and plinth made from stainless steel. The price of this model is US$22,000

The Standard uses many of the same proprietary parts offered in the Inspiration, but turntable and plinth are heavy aluminum. US $13,500.

Both models are supplied with the Garrard power supply and variable speed controller. North American models operate at 120 VAC 60 Hz.

No tone arm is furnished with the 501, but the plinth will be drilled by the factory for the most popular arms. The power supply and variable speed controller are included in the price of the model you order.

The story of the inspiration behind the Garrard 501 Inspiration.

Garrard/Loricraft also offers a new factory refurbishing program for model 301 and 401 turntables. We hope to publish the full details of this program soon. The information on the Loricraft website is for the European market. A program for world market will be available soon. Visit Refurbishing for a peek at their program.

Here is a review of the famous 301 and 401 turntables by a respected European high-end audio magazine.

Please call us if you need more information at (800) 45-SMART or (706) 839-1528

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