Almost 12 years ago, Artisan Fidelity introduced the world’s first Inverted Modular Bearing and Platter based Architecture and solid billet aircraft Aluminum-Magnesium alloy precision replacement heavy Garrard 301 chassis plate. Now, latest Statement SE brings an all new and vastly improved design architecture to the forefront, based on hydrodynamic oil bearing principals combined with an entirely new magnetically assisted augmentation, in addition to an oversized, internally damped, multi-layered heavy, balanced main precision platter combined with further structural enhancements. Once again, by employing a modular platter architecture, the end user may further contour the playback characteristics of the Garrard 301 Statement SE to a degree as each upper material selection will allow for a slightly different presentation. Upper material selections available: Copper alloy, ACP Thermoplastic and Inox Stainless Steel.
Precision Engineering
An advanced non-resonant, void less composite phenolic resin based plinth houses the internals, direct coupled chassis, motor and bearing assembly which provides an environmentally stable substratum completely devoid of distortion producing harmonic resonant behavior. Elimination of stock factory Garrard idler wheel and eddy current disc brake constitutes another engineered design model enhancement. A number of short years ago, we developed a state of the art, precision cnc machined austenitic stainless steel idler wheel with cnc ground center pin measuring zero run-out, physical surface running edge consisting of a molded rubber composite, the very first of its type. For the SE model, we are using an all new, polymer based modular periphery outer drive ring with improved grip and tolerances.
During the 12+ year production cycle of the English Garrard 301 Transcription turntable the company opted to employ a variable cast type aluminum based alloy primary chassis plate which by design, has undesirable part inconsistencies, including structural coves, pits, pores and recesses. From the manufactures standpoint, this design proved both a cost effective and fairly consistent part to reproduce in quantity. However, using a plain variable casting process such as this means certain structural compromises are simply unavoidable. Over time, these chassis plates may exhibit structural cracking and were known for notorious inconsistencies, primary weak spots in many cases resulting in severe degradation of playback. To remedy this critical engineering weakness and design compromise, with the SE model we have further improved upon the Statement series Al/Mg. chassis and developed a modified state-of-the-art stress relieved, austenitic Stainless Steel chassis plate possessing superior structural rigidity, zero internal structural voids and precision measured tolerances. To accompany the newly improved chassis plates, we have designed all new proprietary motor mounts to better aid in vibration control and ancillary control linkage parts, tested and tuned for optimal playback characteristics and integrity. The superior audible playback characteristics gained through these enhancements result in a level of clarity never before imagined with this legendary transcription design. The word masterpiece truly defines the quality and musicality of our latest reference Garrard plinth, comprised of a synthetic resin and advanced composite material, a feast for both the eyes and the ears.
End Game
In summary, a homage of pure musical refinement for a legendary world renowned and cherished idler drive platform. Using solely the fundamental mechanical design architecture and painstakingly re-engineering a classic transcription turntable like the Garrard 301 requires extraordinary skill, dedication, strict attention to details and a level of passion few will ever realize. Our level of commitment is unsurpassed in the area of transforming classic analog playback instruments which have easily stood the test of time into analog record playback devices for the modern era designed to perform at a reference level, in any arena. A small, highly skilled and dedicated team of mechanical engineers, master woodworkers, designers, finishers, visionaries and artisans are who we are, producing the worlds finest modern classics, hand crafted, individually tuned by ear and precision engineered to last a lifetime. A combination of a lifelong passion for music combined with years of evolving creative design concepts made the dream possible and the results, well, the results are nothing short of magnificent.
