SMD Acoustics Garrard 401 Stainless Oil Bearing & Spindle Upgrade

Peak HiFi are pleased to be able to offer the SMD Acoustics bearing and spindle upgrade for the Garrard 401 turntable.

See YouTube Video https://youtu.be/KzlNM7QwG78

This is the same bearing as used in the SMD Acoustics V2.0 which received a 5 globe award in HiFi World April 2016,

Use the following link for more details of the SMD V2.0 and the review: http://www.peakhifi.co.uk/cgi-bin/ecom.cgi?Command=ShowEditProduct&db_pid=582

 Noel Keywood in his Welcome of the April Edition of HiFi World said of the bearings impact on performance:-

 "These improvements made an extraordinary difference, moving the V2.0 to a level fractionally better than Direct Drive. I suspect that is down to its now-superb bearing that is likely better than all others"

This is the solid stainless oil bearing machined from 303 Grade Stainless Steel. The bearing is massively oversized to add mechanical stability over the original bearing thus bringing about an improved sense of grip and control to the music and further reducing the noise platform but without loosing the hallmark Garrard sound.

The bearing is fitted with two "Oilite" bushes that are precision honed for the ultimate close running fit to ensure zero play and absolute minimal bearing noise. Only "Oilite" bushes a suitable for such a close running fit as there is so little space between the bushes and the spindle it is very difficult for oil to get between the bush and the spindle but the"Oilite" bush is porous like a sponge so it absorbs oil and ensure constant lubrication between bush and spindle.

The bearing features an O ring seal at the bottom meaning zero oil leakage and an oil delivery system as per the original 401 bearing to ensure oil is delivered to the bottom bush as well as the top bush.

The bearing also includes a matched SMD Acoustics replacement spindle for the Garrard 401 which is dimensionally an exact copy of the original Garrard 401 spindle. It is manufactured from a high carbon, high chromium tool steel grade offering very high wear resistance and toughness. After the spindle is CNC machined it is vacuum hardened to HRC 55 - 60.

Once hardened the spindle is precision ground to the original diameter a nominal 0.4825"  +0 - 0.0001" (12.255mm +0 /- 3 microns). Finally the spindle is subject to ceramic polishing to give that polished look of the original.

The spindle runs on a precision phosphor bronze ball in a Acetal bearing cup to ensure quiet smooth running.

Don't compromise on quality the bearing is heart of your 401 and a badly engineering and designed bearing will at best give poor sonic results at the worst it may damage your 401.

Further details of the spindle can be found in our other eBay listings.

The SMD Bearing is the ideal partner for the PAC oversize Garrard platter upgrades:

Click here for the aluminium platter

Click here for the brass platter

If you require only a bearing housing and plant to use your own spindle please contact us for details.

Contact us if you require the Garrard 301 version,

Note: Please allow 7 - 10 days for domestic delivery. International deliveries 10 - 14 days.