Garrard RC80/RC80M Differences - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

MENielsen · 12th Sep 2018, 8:31 pm

What are the differences between the Garrard RC80 and RC80M models? Superficially, they appear to be identical, other than the head shell design and the RC80 head shell not having a finger lift.

I did a quick search of the forum and could find no references to this.

Thanks

Techman · 13th Sep 2018, 11:19 am

There's no real difference between the two other than the quality of the finish. you'll find such things as chromed parts on the '80' that are just painted on the 'M' etc. You also can't tell by the head shells as different ones were used between the models. Some models had fixed heads and some had detachable heads on the same model suffix. Engineering tolerances can differ between models, such as you may not be able to swap the platter between models as it may sit too low on one and scrape the mechanism below. You'll find, however, that the complete spindle assembly can be interchanged between models to match the platter - etc. etc. Otherwise they're the same. I think the 'M' model was just a cost cutting version of the straight '80', but with possible slight engineering updates.

12th Sep 2018, 8:31 pm	#1
MENielsen Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Glenview, Illinois, USA. Posts: 1	Garrard RC80/RC80M Differences What are the differences between the Garrard RC80 and RC80M models? Superficially, they appear to be identical, other than the head shell design and the RC80 head shell not having a finger lift. I did a quick search of the forum and could find no references to this. Thanks

13th Sep 2018, 11:19 am	#2
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Garrard RC80/RC80M Differences There's no real difference between the two other than the quality of the finish. you'll find such things as chromed parts on the '80' that are just painted on the 'M' etc. You also can't tell by the head shells as different ones were used between the models. Some models had fixed heads and some had detachable heads on the same model suffix. Engineering tolerances can differ between models, such as you may not be able to swap the platter between models as it may sit too low on one and scrape the mechanism below. You'll find, however, that the complete spindle assembly can be interchanged between models to match the platter - etc. etc. Otherwise they're the same. I think the 'M' model was just a cost cutting version of the straight '80', but with possible slight engineering updates.