The Garrard DD132
Direct drive, single play turntables with Fail-Safe Drive System, low-mass tracking and Delglide automation
The Garrard name in turntables is legendary. With the new direct drive, single play DD132, Garrard introduces two models that reflect the achievements of generations of turntable engineering. Both models are precise expressions of the critical elements that determine exquisite reproduction of music.
Critical Element – The Drive System
It’s called the Fail-Safe Drive System, and for good reason. From its motor, through its speed monitoring, it functions to eliminate the distortions caused by speed irregularities before they can reach the listener’s ear.
The motor is the heart of any direct drive turntable. The DD132 (and DD131) incorporate a DC servo-controlled motor which revolves at the same speed as the platter. But that’s only the first step.
The new Garrard motor an end to cogging
The new direct drive motor, designed and built by Garrard, is brushless coreless and slotless. Most important, it puts an end to the problem which plagues most direct drive motors cogging. Cogging lakes place because the space or “slots” between the magnetic poles of a motor exert a different force than the poles themselves. The result is erratic rotation and rumble. This new Garrard motor ends cogging. It exerts a constant magnetic force during the entire 360(O) rotation of the platter.
Time-Integral-Velocity monitoring
Monitoring of the motor is accomplished by a state-of-the-art speed detection system we call Time-Integral-Velocity Simply stated, a signal is generated which reveals actual rotational speed so that it can be read by correction circuitry.
“Hall effect” circuitry
Final assurance of rotational speed is accomplished by “Hall effect” circuitry which makes instant correction of any irregularity whether caused by stylus drag, cleaning devices or other factors which threaten to interfere with the speed you’ve chosen. Summation Garrard’s Fail-Safe Drive System provides a cogless motor, constant monitoring and instant correction.
The Tonearm
It is unfortunate and somewhat surprising that so many manufacturers still ignore the vital role of the tonearm in determining performance. Garrard engineering has paid special attention to the tonearm. Both the DD132 (and DD131) boast the same tonearm/headshell combination. Tonearm and headshell together weight just 12 grams. Thus you can derive the full potential of any cartridge including the new, low-mass, high compliance types that are finding increasing favor among audiophiles and music lovers. Julian Hirsch the noted reviewer; said that the Garrard tonerm is compatible with any cartridge presently manufactured , no matter how compliant it may be.
Silent Automation
The new Garrard direct drive motor and ultra-light tonearm in the DD132 (and DD131) are integrated with the exceptionally silent smooth and dependable Delglide system. The reviews tell the story. Stereo magazine “everything worked perfectly, and with impressive silence and smoothness”. Radio Electronics “ one the smoothest changing cycles we have ever seen”. Audio magazine “ very quiet in operation, should give years of trouble-free service.”
Summation
The DD132 (and DD131) direct drive turntables include Garrard’s Fail-Safe Drive System, an ultra-light tonearm with magnesium headshell and an astonishingly silent automatic system. In addition, both units incorporate variable speed control and a stroboscope illuminated by an LED for easy reading even in a brightly lit room.
Design and styling
The controls of both of these turntables are expressions of Garrard’s concern with “human engineering” they are grouped in sensible operating sequence and each control is clearly marked and generously sized for the adult hand. Their circular(rather than push-button or slide) action allows use of the controls while a record is playing without jarring the tonearm. Either of these turntables can be placed in any room and beautifully integrate with its décor.
The difference
The tonearm of the DD132 will automatically index, lift and the end of play and come back to its rest before shutting off. The DD132 also features repeat play capability.
Specifications
Operation Mode: Fully Automatic
Turntable Platter: Die-cast aluminium
Platter Diameter: 319 mm
Turntable Inertia: 200 kg/cm
Drive System: DC Direct Drive
Motor: Slotless with TIV Control
Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 rpm
Speed Adjustment: +_3%
Tonearm Type: “S” shaped aluminium
Effective Length: 230 mm
Effective Mass less Cartridge: 12 grams
Pivots: Jewel/Ball
Stylus Force Adjustment: Isolated calibrated counterbalanced weight
Cue Control: Viscous damped
Usable Cartridge Weight: 4 – 9 grams
Minimum Tracking Force: 0,75 grams
Optional Cartridge: Shure M75 ED II
Performance
Wow and Flutter (DIN): 0,06% slow weighted
Rumble: -50 dB (DIN-A); -70 dB (DIN-B)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 450 x 150 x 365 mm (with cover closed)