Between you and me, I lust after a Garrard 401.
One of our neighbors, a retired fire chief who my wife calls Grizz, works with a guy who demos houses. If there’s anything worth selling, the company usually auctions off the contents and if stuff doesn’t sell, Grizz takes what catches his eye.
Grizz was over recently for a chat and at one point he mentioned that the home they were working on had some old stereo equipment and he proceeded to scroll through his phone-based photos to show me. This has happened a number of times over the years and the hifi gear is typically old big brand department store stuff covered with dust. Nothing exciting. On this recent August day, Grizz showed me a minty Garrard 401 with an Ortofon arm and SPU. I mean, !!. I didn’t have to say I was interested but I did anyway.
A few days later Grizz told me that ‘table was purchased by someone doing an early walk through for $2k cash. Such is life and lusting after a Garrard 401.
All to say Garrard is a household name for many, darn that guy!, and I’m very happy to see they’re still going strong, now with a new North American importer, Monarch Systems Ltd. Current models include the 301 Classic (center) and the 301 Advanced.
Here’s the press release:
1 September, 2025: Englewood, Colorado – Monarch Systems Ltd. is happy to announce our appointment as the official North American distribution partner of Garrard, manufacturer of specialty turntables.
The Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company was originally formed in 1915 by Garrard & Co., designers and manufacturers of luxury jewelry since 1735, noted for being the Crown Jewelers and first official jewel suppliers for the British Royal Family. Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing began operations designing and engineering turntable components, then called gramophones. After a small succession of owners over the years, in 2018 Garrard was acquired by Cadence Audio SA of the UK, parent company of SME turntable manufacturing. Garrard continues to build turntables for the luxury space today, featuring proprietary technologies and modern engineering combined with old-world craftsmanship.
“Garrard offers a quintessential analog sound and is combined with an iconic aesthetic, the two creating a unique experience unlike any other analog system on the market,” said Jon Baker of Monarch Systems Ltd. Rich Maez added, “Most top shelf vinyl playback systems make you choose between inspired aesthetics or ultra-high performance. Garrard is in the very unique position of giving their customers both.”
Effective immediately, Monarch Systems Ltd. will assume importation for Garrard turntables, management of retail sales networks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, establishment of marketing channels, and the development of renewed media and review relations.
About Garrard
Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing, today simply called Garrard, began in 1915 as a division of Garrard and Co., a manufacturer of motors for gramophone audio products from manufacturers such as Columbia and DECCA. Their first complete turntable product was developed in 1930. Through the years Garrard has continued to push analog technologies, diversifying into materials development which are better suited for high-precision playback.
Modern day Garrard continues its ground-breaking progress by combining advanced material technologies married to classic and custom industrial design.
About Monarch Systems Ltd.
Monarch Systems Ltd. was founded by two long-time high-performance audio industry veterans, Jon Baker and Rich Maez, and is an importer of fine upscale sound components and retail environment consultation firm. Monarch’s core operating principles are that a high-performance audio distributor should provide exceptional customer service, proper stocking and availability of products, superior product knowledge, be a proactive and trustworthy business partner, and, above all, be fun to work with.
Company Website: Garrard
North American Importer Website: Monarch Systems Ltd.