Looks like I have a lead on a Garrard 40 MKI II in my area. Any thoughts? I was really leaning toward an early Type A.

The shop that's doing the receiver told me that Duals are very hard to work on.

Duals are very hard to work on = the technician doesn't know squat about Duals

If you intend to play lots of 78's, turntables made in the 1950's and very early 1960's, with heavier arms and more robust cartridges will more successfully track them. On the other hand, if you are truly into high fidelity sound and mostly play 33's, and you want to use a more modern, light-tracking cartridge that is kinder to your records, a Type-A is NOT the correct choice. You will not be able to use a cartridge like the Shure M97 or Audio-Technica AT440. You will have to resort to a Shure M3D or similar, at best perhaps a Shure M44E or M44-7.

On the other hand, maybe you simply want a vintage appearance, regardless of the other factors. Then the Type-A will do, but be aware that only an ace technician can successfully restore and maintain a Type-A.

Does the technician you're working with specialize in audio?

Fred
owner
Classic Audio Repair

He knows his Fishers, that's for sure. He worked for Fisher back in the '60's. I asked for his thoughts and he felt a Garrard was a good choice, so that's where I am today. He concentrates on the amps and receivers.

I do like the look of the Type A, but appearance isn't everything. I'm just wondering if I should pursue this 40 MK II or move on to a different model.