Garrard SP25 MKIV

A manual single-play idler drive turntable, the final version of the long-running SP25 series.

Overview

The Garrard SP25 MKIV is a manual single-play turntable and the last of the SP25 series. Garrard built it as a consumer-grade record player with an idler drive. Owners know it for tonearm lift problems, running slightly slow, and auto return malfunctions.

Specifications

Speed changer	33/45/78 tmn
Rumble	Better than -35dB
Wow	Better than 0.2
Original price	£16.25

Design

The SP25 MKIV uses an idler drive, which is typical of this generation of Garrard turntables. It updates the long-running SP25 line, but the specific changes in the Mark IV are not fully documented.

Context

The SP25 was a popular consumer turntable. The MKIV arrived when many audio enthusiasts wanted affordable, reliable playback units. It was positioned as an accessible option, and one user recalls it as a common fallback for budget-conscious buyers in the early 1970s.

Market

Owners report the same operational problems: tonearm lift failure, incorrect auto return behavior, and speed inaccuracies. Some have refurbished their units, taking apart the motor and bearing or replacing the RCA cables. Units have turned up for sale on their own and as part of vintage audio systems. One example was listed at R1,500.00 in South African Rand.

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