AR XA Arm Replacement Sourcing?

[Nashou66]

I just use the original arm tube and buy the socket on eBay. they have them. you then need to ream out the arm a bit to be able to slid in the new socket.

here is a pick of the socket and the 1877 Phono wire I use.

I have done this and I think its posted in the Big AR thread.

nashou

 

[Old-School]

You can't use the original Technics wiring because it is not long enough.

 

[DijonMaster]

I already have my own working AR (and my mom's works too. I just want to fully fix the headshell).

I'm just saying that, at the price, it's not much much cheaper than replacing the whole arm, which might save me trouble in the future. But, at the same time, maybe it isnt worth spending all that time and money.

Maybe find a used Crosley or something that will meet your budget.

 

[DijonMaster]

I just use the original arm tube and buy the socket on eBay. they have them. you then need to ream out the arm a bit to be able to slid in the new socket.

here is a pick of the socket and the 1877 Phono wire I use.

I have done this and I think its posted in the Big AR thread.

nashou

If you dont mind me asking, what do you mean by reaming the arm?

 

[Nat]

You seem very resistant to spending 50 bucks or so for a new headshell, but by the time you get an arm tube, headshell, and new wire (and maybe an arm rest), you will probably be way past the cost of a headshell. And if you go for a whole new arm, unless it is a lesser arm, you will be paying much more. And it will require much more work - you have to cut out the top plate, file off the arm part of the T bar, mount a plate to take the arm, and probably adjust the suspension to accomodate the greater mass of the replacement arm (which may involve buying new suspension springs (often from Linn, which isn't known as a discount outfit), There is the possibility of screwing up, and you may or may not enhance the value of the table depending on the arm and how neatly you mount it, and whether the new arm is one a buyer wants.
On the plus side, most independant arms have antiskating and are easier to align.
Obviously it is your choice...

 

[malden]

I already have my own working AR (and my mom's works too. I just want to fully fix the headshell).

I'm just saying that, at the price, it's not much much cheaper than replacing the whole arm, which might save me trouble in the future. But, at the same time, maybe it isnt worth spending all that time and money.

Replacing the whole arm may allow you to change headshells easier but for me at least, the beauty of that turntable is the elegant simplicity of its design, the tonearm being a prominent feature.

It's also not the best turntable to be swapping cartridges regularly, that bouncy tonearm/platter suspension makes doing so annoying. I have a Shure M75 cartridge installed in my XA and have been happy with it for the past 10 years or so.

My Technics SL 1600 on the other hand is my test turntable for various cartridges. The heavy stable plinth, platter and tonearm make swapping cartridges a breeze.

 

[DijonMaster]

That's true. Jose offered a headshell for a good price so in all honesty I'm probably just gonna go for that.

You seem very resistant to spending 50 bucks or so for a new headshell, but by the time you get an arm tube, headshell, and new wire (and maybe an arm rest), you will probably be way past the cost of a headshell. And if you go for a whole new arm, unless it is a lesser arm, you will be paying much more. And it will require much more work - you have to cut out the top plate, file off the arm part of the T bar, mount a plate to take the arm, and probably adjust the suspension to accomodate the greater mass of the replacement arm (which may involve buying new suspension springs (often from Linn, which isn't known as a discount outfit), There is the possibility of screwing up, and you may or may not enhance the value of the table depending on the arm and how neatly you mount it, and whether the new arm is one a buyer wants.
On the plus side, most independant arms have antiskating and are easier to align.
Obviously it is your choice....

 

[Nat]

As someone who has projects all over the house, I applaud your simply spending a bit of money and getting the problem off your list.

 

[DijonMaster]

Trust me, if I wasn't working I'd be all over this. I love projects

 

[Nat]

Come over to my house. Please!

 

[Hose53]

My house too!