Garrard SRP10

A transportable record player from the mid-1960s with four-speed playback, a built-in tube amplifier, and a speaker in a suitcase-style enclosure.

Overview

The Garrard SRP10 is a portable turntable built to play on its own. It has a loudspeaker in the lid and a tube amplifier. It was sold under several names, including "Transportable Record Player," "Plattenspieler-Koffer," and "Smart," and it was part of systems like the "Arena Record Player." Production is estimated at around 1963-1965, going by catalog listings. The motor is a governed commutator type. The pickup arm is aluminum, and the speed change knob is interlocked with the pickup arm switch mechanism. It plays four speeds and runs on 200/250 volts. A battery-powered version was also available.

Specifications

Speeds	4 speed
Voltage	200/250 Volt
Power version	battery version
Net weight	4.172 kg / 9 lb 3 oz

Design

The SRP10 is a suitcase-style transportable with the loudspeaker in the lid. The amplifier uses tubes, but the documentation says either one or two, and the exact count is still unresolved. The motor is a governed commutator type. The aluminum pickup arm was described as "the latest design" at the time. The speed change knob is mechanically interlocked with the pickup arm switch, so the player can't be operated incorrectly.

Market

Common problems are skipping and slow playback. Users report that the unit may skip every groove on first use. It was originally priced at £5.9.11 according to THE Radio Constructor (1964). A later listing in PRACTICAL (1965) gives £5.0.1, and that discrepancy is still unresolved. The SRP10 turns up today on eBay and HiFiShark, and vintage enthusiasts often mention it as a first personal audio purchase.

Similar items on eBay

No exact Garrard SRP10 listings are live right now — these searches show current Garrard and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:

Search Garrard SRP10 on eBay Browse Garrard audio gear on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.