Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard

204.65.0.24

Posted on November 3, 2009 at 09:51:18

wolfy62

I was wondering what the general take is on regarding Rek-o-kut vs. the much coveted Thorens and Garrards these days. Seems that the Rek-o-kut was a real sleeper turntable and as I can attest, has some great possibilities, but does not appear to have really caught on. While prices for the Thorens and Garrards have skyrocketed, the Rek-o-kuts have remained pretty much stable.

Has anyone tried both willing to offer an opinion on how a the Rek-o-kut compares with Thorens or Garrard?

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard

tubesforever

23:59:54 11/04/09

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard

orthophonic

11:47:52 11/03/09

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard

07:39:52 11/05/09

Papst or Ashland?

Plinko

15:50:35 11/03/09

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard, posted on November 4, 2009 at 23:59:54

tubesforever
Manufacturer

Posts: 9128
Location: Great Basin
Joined: May 7, 2005

I have heard nice Thorens and Garrards. They all have their strengths. Rather than say which are better I think you might want to collect them all.

The Rek O Kut requires bearing improvement to really hit the performance that I require. Luckily its not expensive to get these singing nicely.

I have shaded poles, single phase hysteresis (Ashland) and three phase hysteresis (Papst) driven Rek O Kuts and each sounds amazing. I would look for the B12H model. I really love the dynamics and prat on these tables.

Cheers!
"Music Matters" Help support our schools music programs.

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard, posted on November 3, 2009 at 11:47:52

orthophonic
Audiophile

Posts: 539
Location: Central Florida
Joined: January 21, 2003

I own all three and the Rek B12H is my preference. It is simpler design and overall better built.
I t does take a little more effort to get the best out of it, but when done right it outperforms the other two in my experience. Of the thorens and the Garrard, I prefer the thorens, i have never cottoned to the coveted 301, it sounds great, but in a highly colored sort of way. I know this goes against the current norm, but I prefer the rek and with the right tweaking, it can be made to be almost silent.
I am always amazed at the lust some people have for the 301 without having seen or heard one,
the power of the internet I suppose.
My opinions and preference were made some years ago, when these tables could be purchased
in thrift stores for under ten dollars (late 80's), and before the cult status of them over the past few years.
There is one area I will give the 301 over the other two, It has a slightly lower index of flutter, but it is slight.
'When i bought these years ago and found they performed quite well, directly comparable
to my Empires, Sota and Kuzma, I searched old magazines for reviews and the Rek was always placed quite a bit above the 301, confirming my opinion.. The Thorens was highly regarded
but because it is a newer table, there were no comparison reviews to the other two which the magazines probably thought of as dated,
My opinions only for what it is worth.

RE: Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard, posted on November 5, 2009 at 07:39:52

wolfy62

I agree. As I said, I have tried the Thorens 124 and it's a great table, but with the right set up, the rek's are just terrific. My L-34 is dead quiet. Granted, it's in a massive plinth and you can hear huge motor somewhat, but amazingly, I have no audible rumble. Plus, the simplicity of the design is very appealing to me. One thing that is lacking on these though is the ability to fine tune the speed. I am on the lookout for some manner by which to trim the speed. I thought of a variac, but this does not seem to be recommended. If anyone has any suggestions on a good way to manage fine tuning the speed electronically, I would appreciate it. And still...you can pick up these fine tables for a song on ebay.

Papst or Ashland?, posted on November 3, 2009 at 15:50:35
Plinko Audiophile Posts: 1359 Location: N East, USA Joined: July 21, 2005	Which motor do you prefer? I have two Rek-o-Kuts and I strongly prefer the B12GH with the Papst motor. The Rondine with the Ashland motor is too noisy. The Papst is more quiet and seems to hold the speed better. Nothing scientific to determin this...just looking at the strobe and listening. Could be just my particular samples?

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Rek-o-Kut idlers vs. Thorens & Garrard

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