Garrard GT20 (1968–1970)
At approximately 7.5 kg, it sits in your hands like a promise—plastic shell and all—of accessible hi-fi in the late '60s.
Overview
The Garrard GT20 emerged between 1968 and 1970 as a budget-conscious option in Garrard’s consumer lineup. Marketed as part of a wave of turntables designed to offer “a high standard of performance combined with an elegant appearance and simple operation,” the GT20 targeted buyers who wanted a name-brand deck without stretching their finances. It was a manual model, meaning users had to lower the tonearm by hand—no automatic start, stop, or return. This simplicity helped keep costs down, and one buyer recalled it being sold with an entry-level cartridge like the Shure M75 ED2. One buyer recalled paying £62.90 for a GT20 with that cartridge from Comet in Cheltenham, a sum that, while not trivial in 1969, placed it within reach of many. Despite its modest pricing, the GT20 was built with a belt-drive system and a die-cast platter, suggesting Garrard didn’t entirely compromise on core mechanics.
Still, the compromises are visible. The deck is made mostly of plastic, a common cost-saving measure at the time, and while it gave the unit a sleek, modern look, it didn’t help with resonance control. Collectors note the GT20 "looks better than it is"—a sentiment echoed by a user who described their system, anchored by this deck, as “poor but all I could afford.” It shared an owner’s manual with the GT25P-1 and GT35P-1, suggesting a shared design language or service structure across this tier. The GT20 sat below the auto-changing GT25, which offered convenience at a higher price. This manual operation, combined with its plastic construction, firmly places the GT20 as an entry point into the Garrard name rather than a statement piece.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Garrard |
| Product type | manual turntable |
| Drive | belt drive |
| Speeds | 33, 45rpm (some sources cite four-speed) |
| Motor | 4-pole synchronous type |
| Platter | die-cast |
| Wow & Flutter | 0.05 percent |
| Rumble | -68 dB (DIN B) |
| Dimensions | Approx. 440 mm × 360 mm × 120 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 kg (sources vary, one lists 15½ lbs / 7 kg) |
| Audio Outputs | DIN, Stereo L/R |
Key Features
Belt-Drive System with 4-Pole Synchronous Motor
The GT20 relies on a belt-drive mechanism, a design choice that helped isolate motor vibrations from the platter and contributed to stable speed performance. It uses a 4-pole synchronous motor, a common type in turntables of this era, known for reliable operation when paired with stable mains frequency. This setup reportedly delivers a wow and flutter figure of 0.05 percent—respectable for a budget deck—and a rumble rating of -68 dB (DIN B), indicating decent low-frequency noise rejection for a unit with a plastic chassis.
Die-Cast Platter
Despite its plastic housing, the GT20 features a die-cast platter, which provides necessary mass for speed stability. This is a meaningful upgrade over stamped or plastic platters found on some competitors at the price point. The larger platter diameter also contributes to improved rotational inertia, helping maintain consistent playback speed during record surface irregularities.
DIN and Stereo L/R Outputs
The GT20 includes both a 5-pin DIN output and separate stereo RCA (L/R) phono outputs, offering flexibility for connection to a range of preamps and integrated amplifiers. This dual-output configuration was practical for the era, when DIN inputs were still common on British and European hi-fi gear, but RCA was becoming the standard elsewhere.
Historical Context
The GT20 was part of Garrard’s mid-tier consumer lineup, positioned below the auto-changing GT25 and above more basic models. It shared design documentation with the GT25P-1 and GT35P-1, suggesting a shared platform or service approach. The turntable was introduced during a period when manufacturers were balancing performance, aesthetics, and affordability for a growing home audio market. Its launch reflected a broader industry effort to deliver “simple operation” and “elegant appearance” without premium pricing.
Collectibility & Value
The GT20 is not widely regarded as a high-value collectible, but it maintains a presence in the secondhand market. A working unit was listed for £50 on Facebook and marked as sold, while a refurbished GT20-1 with a new belt and Audio-Technica needle was offered for £150 on Reddit—described by a buyer as “not a horrible [deal].” Maintenance is relatively straightforward: the RC Audio manual advises lifting the platter once a year to apply a drop or two of oil to the spindle. Spare parts such as headshells, cartridges (including AT and VM95C models), and stylus assemblies are occasionally available, suggesting a modest but persistent support ecosystem.
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