Garrard Zero 92 (c. 1971–1975)

The Garrard Zero 92 is an automatic belt-drive turntable built around the company's famous Zero Tracking Error (ZTE) tonearm — the design that pivots to keep the cartridge perpendicular to the groove across the entire record surface. It was essentially the same arm found on the flagship Zero 100, but without that model's hydraulically damped cueing. Sources disagree on exactly when it was made — estimates range from 1971 through 1975 — and on whether it was the Zero 100's successor or simply a less expensive alternative to it. Both characterizations appear in the record; what's clear is that it shared the Zero 100's most celebrated feature in a more affordable package.

The deck is a two-speed (33⅓ and 45 rpm) automatic with a die-cast aluminum platter measuring 16.7 inches and weighing 3.5 lb, driven by a 4-pole induction motor via belt. Fine speed adjustment is ±3%, and anti-skate and stylus pressure are both adjustable, as is tonearm overhang. It was supplied with a Shure M75 cartridge. Dimensions are 17.5 × 15.5 × 6.5 inches, weight 22 lb.

Hi-Fi Sound (August 1974, p.58) reviewed the Zero 92 and called it "one of the best current record reproducers," noting the ZTE arm is at its best with high-compliance cartridges. The UK price at that time was £64.03. The same review observed the arm is essentially the same Zero Tracking Error design as the Zero 100's.

Collectors should know a few things. The cueing mechanism is a known weak point, and the plastic gear controlling the auto-return mechanism is known to crack. The idler wheel is a common failure point, and replacement rubber belts and idler wheels are no longer made by Garrard. Lenco Heaven's assessment sums it up fairly: a fine turntable, though not as well built as the Zero 100.

Known Specifications

Type: Automatic transcription turntable, belt drive
Speeds: 33⅓, 45 rpm
Motor: 4-pole induction
Platter: Die-cast aluminum, 16.7 in (42.5 cm), 3.5 lb (1.6 kg)
Wow and flutter: 0.08% WRMS (some sources cite 0.1%)
Rumble: −50 dB DIN B (some sources cite −45 dB)
Speed adjustment: ±3%
Tonearm: Zero Tracking Error (ZTE), adjustable overhang, anti-skate, stylus pressure
Cartridge: Supplied with Shure M75
Dimensions: 17.5 × 15.5 × 6.5 in (44.5 × 39.4 × 16.5 cm)
Weight: 22 lb (10 kg)