Zero 100SB

About the Zero 100SB

The Garrard Zero 100SB is a British-made automatic record player introduced around 1970 as a development of the original Zero 100. It is a single-play (no stack play) belt-driven turntable with a heavy diecast zinc platter and a Synchrolab 4-pole synchronous motor. The Zero 100SB features Garrard's patented zero tracking error tonearm, which adjusts the headshell angle as it moves across the record to keep the stylus perpendicular to the groove, minimizing tracking distortion. The tonearm also includes a magnetic anti-skating system and a play counter to track stylus usage. The turntable offers two speeds (33⅓ and 45 rpm) with pitch control of ±3%, though the belt drive means speed adjustment is less flexible than the original idler-driven model. It has a metal subchassis suspended on four soft springs with foam damping for vibration isolation. The Zero 100SB is noted for its warm, bass-rich sound signature with a somewhat soft midrange and less refined highs. It is capable of automatic operation but is often used manually by audiophiles. Dimensions are approximately 45.4 x 18.1 x 40.5 cm (dustcover down) and it weighs about 11 kg. The output is via a 5-pin DIN connector. The turntable is considered a classic with a complex but effective mechanical design and remains sought after by vintage audio enthusiasts.