Garrard GT20 (1968–1970)

Name: Garrard GT20
Brand: Garrard

The GT20 weighs approximately 7.5 kg, plastic shell and all. It was an accessible hi-fi deck of the late '60s.

Overview

The Garrard GT20 came out between 1968 and 1970 as a budget option in Garrard's consumer lineup. It was marketed as offering “a high standard of performance combined with an elegant appearance and simple operation,” and it targeted buyers who wanted a name-brand deck without stretching their finances. It was a manual model, so you lowered the tonearm by hand. No automatic start, stop, or return. That kept 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. That was not trivial money in 1969, but it was within reach of many. Despite the modest price, the GT20 has a belt-drive system and a die-cast platter, so Garrard didn't entirely compromise on core mechanics.

Still, the compromises show. The deck is mostly plastic, a common cost-saving measure at the time. It gave the unit a sleek, modern look, but it didn't help with resonance control. Collectors note the GT20 "looks better than it is," and one user 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, which suggests 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. Manual operation and plastic construction make it 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 uses a belt-drive mechanism, which helped isolate motor vibrations from the platter and contributed to stable speed. It has a 4-pole synchronous motor, a common type in turntables of this era, known for reliable operation when paired with stable mains frequency. It 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). That is decent low-frequency noise rejection for a unit with a plastic chassis.

Die-Cast Platter

Despite the plastic housing, the GT20 has a die-cast platter, which provides the mass needed for speed stability. That is a meaningful upgrade over the stamped or plastic platters found on some competitors at the price point. The larger platter diameter also adds rotational inertia, which helps hold a consistent speed through record surface irregularities.

DIN and Stereo L/R Outputs

The GT20 has both a 5-pin DIN output and separate stereo RCA (L/R) phono outputs, so it connects to a range of preamps and integrated amplifiers. The dual outputs were 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. It was introduced while manufacturers were balancing performance, aesthetics, and affordability for a growing home audio market. The 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 shows up on the secondhand market. A working unit was listed for £50 on Facebook and marked as sold. A refurbished GT20-1 with a new belt and Audio-Technica needle was offered for £150 on Reddit, and a buyer called it “not a horrible [deal].” Maintenance is fairly straightforward: the RC Audio manual says to lift the platter once a year and put a drop or two of oil on the spindle. Spare parts such as headshells, cartridges (including AT and VM95C models), and stylus assemblies are occasionally available.