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AR-XA old Favorite..

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To paraphrase Elvis:

50,000 ARxa Fans Can't Be Wrong!
Lots of folks still spinning vinyl on these...enjoy!
 
Wonderful tables. I recommend that all of you AR owners consult with Marc Morin on his package of very affordable and easy-to-install upgrades to the AR table. Addressing some design compromises completely elevates this simple machine's performance to some very lofty heights.

I adore my upgraded AR/XA!

ARXA.jpg
 
jleon92f said:
Needed some play time this week. Has a Grado Black MM on it now!

Still the best!

Thanks,
John.:music::D
Click to expand...

The motor on the XA doesn't produce much EMI field for the Grado to pick up.
The later tables with the 3Watt motors produce 4 times the EMI, and they'll affect the Grado. Having said that, The table won't embarrass itself if everything is right with a top performing Grado. The XB I'm finishing up sports a Signature 8MZ on it at the moment. :music:
 
beatcomber said:
Wonderful tables. I recommend that all of you AR owners consult with Marc Morin on his package of very affordable and easy-to-install upgrades to the AR table. Addressing some design compromises completely elevates this simple machine's performance to some very lofty heights.

I adore my upgraded AR/XA!
Click to expand...

Many thanks for the kudos BC. Not to change the subject, but as soon as i get a few more hours on a 8MZ cart I have, it will be coming your way for you to compare against your Gold-1........and then off to Alabama for Pio to evaluate as well.
 
marcmorin said:
The motor on the XA doesn't produce much EMI field for the Grado to pick up.
The later tables with the 3Watt motors produce 4 times the EMI, and they'll affect the Grado. Having said that, The table won't embarrass itself if everything is right with a top performing Grado. The XB I'm finishing up sports a Signature 8MZ on it at the moment. :music:
Click to expand...

I had an XA that hummed very slightly with a Grado Green. The hum was only audible on the last band or two of the record, when the cartridge was closest to the motor. I replaced that XA with a belt-drive Technics turntable in 2006 and have enjoyed the absence of hum in my music.

I hooked up my remaining XA last weekend and listened to it for a bit. Bone stock, and with an elderly Shure M75e in the headshell, that 'table sounded very, very good. I may have to do some cleanup and lube work and mount a better cartridge just so I can hear the XA at its considerable best.
 
marcmorin said:
Many thanks for the kudos BC. Not to change the subject, but as soon as i get a few more hours on a 8MZ cart I have, it will be coming your way for you to compare against your Gold-1........and then off to Alabama for Pio to evaluate as well.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Marc! I look forward to checking it out!

Dr Tinear said:
I hooked up my remaining XA last weekend and listened to it for a bit. Bone stock, and with an elderly Shure M75e in the headshell, that 'table sounded very, very good. I may have to do some cleanup and lube work and mount a better cartridge just so I can hear the XA at its considerable best.
Click to expand...

I'm using a Shure M91ED w/JICO SAS in my AR-XA. The M91ED is the same internally as the M75ED. I have yet to find a cartridge that I like better on this table.
 
M91ED on mine too. I'm using a good original stylus in mine. A friend brought over a JICO SAS and we heard very little if any difference between the two, which I guess is a testament to just how good the JICOs are. There was a notable difference between those two and the $12 Needle Daddy one but for the price it's really not too shabby. Slightly brighter.

J
 
I have too a AR-XA, bought new in the 70s with Shure M91ED. Beatcomber, where did you found this cork mat ? I need to change mine.

Helios
 
Hi, you can make a mat using a sharp cutting tool and what ever material you like. Use the platter ring turned upside down for a template.:scratch2:

Good luck,:thmbsp:
John.:music::D
 
Another recommendation for the Morin Mods

Marc Morin recently upgraded my AR XB. I also recommend his work.
I'm using an M75ED II. It's a great table!

Al
 
beatcomber said:
Ah ha, so it was YOUR AR/XB that he was telling me about! And you're just up the road from me too.
Click to expand...


Well, that and that NOS M75 of his. I really liked the tone it has. The Fender Bass in Mighty Sam McClain...Give it up to love also really liked that cart.

The XB I'm doing right now has the bayonet type headshell on it, and I can swap out carts pretty fast.

I also just spun a skeletized XA with a test record to check arm resonate level first. took a small break and find myself on this keyboard. This XA was asked to be taken up to the Linn black spring change. I have a few albums to spin on it before making any final adjustments to the arm bearings, etc. And then the wife gives it the OK/N-OK tonight.

Give me another week or so and I'll have this 8MZ shipped off to you.
 
Take your time, Marc.

The M75ED/M91ED really does sound terrific on the AR tonearm. Warm without being dark or muddy.
 
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