Garrard SP25 Mk I (1959–1965)
The Garrard SP25 Mk I is the entry-level model that started the long-running SP line. It was a budget changer, and for a lot of listeners it was the first automatic record player they owned. The Vintage Knob places its production at 1959-1965 with an original price around $29.95, though hifi-wiki gives a later window of 1964-1967. The two sources don't agree on the dates. What's consistent is the job: a four-speed automatic changer (16, 33, 45, and 78 rpm) that could run fully manual, auto-stop, auto-repeat, or auto-change, depending on how you wanted to use it.
Mechanically it's a straightforward 4-pole induction motor driving a small 6.5-inch platter. The specs are modest. Wow and flutter are rated at 0.25% and rumble at -35dB, which puts it firmly in budget territory and nowhere near transcription class. It weighed 8.5 lbs and measured 14.5" W x 13" D x 4.5" H. One forum user who has lived with one for years calls it "a fine little changer" that has been reliable and sounded surprisingly good.
Garrard's exhibit at the 1968 International Audio Festival & Fair presented several new models of particular interest to Hi-Fi enthusiasts from its comprehensive range of record playing units, including new record playing equipment (Audio-Collection, 1968, p.95). The SP25 was the first of a long family that ran through the Mk II, Mk III, Mk IV, and beyond. All of them kept the basic formula of an inexpensive, dependable changer.
One claim floating around forums says the SP25 was the predecessor to the 301 and 401. It doesn't hold up against the historical record. Those transcription decks were a different line aimed at a different market. The SP25 Mk I was a budget changer.
Known Specs
- Motor: 4-pole induction
- Speeds: 16, 33, 45, 78 rpm
- Platter: 6.5"
- Wow and flutter: 0.25%
- Rumble: −35dB
- Dimensions: 14.5" W x 13" D x 4.5" H
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Original price: approx. $29.95
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