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AR Turntable - A beginning

now.spinnin

now.spinnin

New Member
:music::music::music:
I'm a bit over my head, and when that happens, the AK is the place to turn!
It's rare that good quality vintage audio equipment turns up around my neck of the woods, so when a vintage AR TA Turntable fell into my lap I was thrilled. :banana:My knowledge is limited, but I had always heard rumblings across the boards about them and there seems to be a fair amount of respect and praise for them.
I still don't have the item yet (trust me, pics will be following as soon as I can get them), but I believe it is in decent working order. It will be the beginning of what I hope will be my office system, and I want to do this right, so I turn to you all for advice.
-- What stylus/cartridge would you folks suggest?
-- For a small office what amp/receiver fits the era? All ideas welcome.
-- Suggestions on speakers? I have been told it is wise to go for newer speakers as the likelihood of finding vintage speakers in solid shape is low. Is this true?
-- Very little info on the TA that I can find. If anyone has knowledge, advice, etc., I would love to dive into it all!
Thanks in advance Karma Klan! :rockon:
 
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I had the lovely AR XB (the version w/ cueing) and used it w/ a Shure m91ED w/ superb full bodied toe tapping sound. Any of the M91/M93/M95 is a good match and I think they complimented each other well.
TT & Cover_4302.jpg

Tonearm_4305.jpg

Cart & RCA_4344.jpg
 
now.spinnin said:
Grateful for your response and the pictures!
Did you have any restoration work done on your rig?
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Welcome, now I wish I never sold it...and for cheap too...it's very very good.
I refinished base in black, new basic coaxial interconnects, and made my own mat from shelf lining. I'd recommend the ProJect thin cork mat from Amazon for $20, which I use on my Thorens TT. New upgrade TT motors are available it you want. Stock tonearm is actually very good for medium compliant cartridges that track around 1.5-2 grams.
 
chicks said:
A long but good video on Villchur's engineering of the original AR turntable, and why it was so revolutionary. Great engineers truly make a difference.

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Excellent video Chicks! Can I say I'm even more excited about my new table now??? Seems like a respectable rig!
:beerchug:
 
Re: the TA model, see this link... https://vinylnirvana.com/ar-turntable-resources/ar-models/ar-xa

Quoting from the site.. (Emphasis is mine)

"This is the original AR turntable. (See AR History for more specific background on its development.) It had a two-piece aluminum platter which was driven by a small synchronous motor. Early versions had two motors to add the extra torque needed to start the heavy platter. A spring-suspended subchassis supported the platter and tonearm. The tonearm had manual adjustments for weight, no real anti-skating, and damped cueing which prevented accidentally dropping needle to the record surface. The tonearm was S-shaped with a single pivot point. The table was extremely quiet and immune to rumble. Early models used solid walnut sides, then they became walnut veneer, and finally walnut looking vinyl veneer.

Note: The AR TA is nearly identical."
 
marcthisdate said:
Re: the TA model, see this link... https://vinylnirvana.com/ar-turntable-resources/ar-models/ar-xa

Quoting from the site.. (Emphasis is mine)

"This is the original AR turntable. (See AR History for more specific background on its development.) It had a two-piece aluminum platter which was driven by a small synchronous motor. Early versions had two motors to add the extra torque needed to start the heavy platter. A spring-suspended subchassis supported the platter and tonearm. The tonearm had manual adjustments for weight, no real anti-skating, and damped cueing which prevented accidentally dropping needle to the record surface. The tonearm was S-shaped with a single pivot point. The table was extremely quiet and immune to rumble. Early models used solid walnut sides, then they became walnut veneer, and finally walnut looking vinyl veneer.

Note: The AR TA is nearly identical."
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So I gather the TA is essentially the XA... practically similar to the original XA?
I gather from your profile picture that you use an AR table as well, at least that's what it looks like is perched majestically on your Marantz... o_O
 
That is indeed my XA and Marantz... The turntable is pretty much stock, has an original solid walnut base. I use a Shure M97xe or M91ED cartridge that I switch off with. On the site link I sent you, there used to be videos on basic service for the XA like how to clean and relube the tonearm and spindle, replace the belts that they sell etc.. There is also an extensive AR thread on AK's site where you can glean a ton of info on all things AR turntables. https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/official-ar-turntable-owners-thread.595003/

Finally, there are a number of folks who can service the tonearm (new bearings etc), springs etc and folks who can build you some beautiful bases.
 
marcthisdate said:
That is indeed my XA and Marantz... The turntable is pretty much stock, has an original solid walnut base. I use a Shure M97xe or M91ED cartridge that I switch off with. On the site link I sent you, there used to be videos on basic service for the XA like how to clean and relube the tonearm and spindle, replace the belts that they sell etc.. There is also an extensive AR thread on AK's site where you can glean a ton of info on all things AR turntables. https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/official-ar-turntable-owners-thread.595003/

Finally, there are a number of folks who can service the tonearm (new bearings etc), springs etc and folks who can build you some beautiful bases.
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Thank you kindly! Still learning the 'ins-and-outs' of this site. Just realized if I looked in your signature on your posts that you list your system in all its glory!
 
Had one in college in the late 70s…came with an M91ed…very cool and with a more modern/ stylistic head shell would think it could keep up with more modern price equivalents.
 
Hello again AK cronies! I finally have the AR TA! Seems in pretty great shape. I have cleaned it up, and minus needing a new dust cover is looking pretty good.
There is one area of concern... the small screw that holds the tonearm in place is missing. I've tried researching and can't find a suitable replacement. I found a small screw 6-40 size. It doesn't seem to work. Any ideas?
PXL_20220519_201506791~2.jpg
 
now.spinnin said:
Hello again AK cronies! I finally have the AR TA! Seems in pretty great shape. I have cleaned it up, and minus needing a new dust cover is looking pretty good.
There is one area of concern... the small screw that holds the tonearm in place is missing. I've tried researching and can't find a suitable replacement. I found a small screw 6-40 size. It doesn't seem to work. Any ideas? View attachment 2571110
Click to expand...


Did you ever get your AR TA up and running?


Audiofreak71
 
Audiofreak71 said:
Did you ever get your AR TA up and running?


Audiofreak71
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I don't have it complete. But I did finally, get it hooked up to an old realistic receiver and Boston A40 speakers. She works! I will definitely send pictures next week. Next step is to touch up some of the scuffs and blemishes and find a new dust cover.
 
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