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AR XA Plinth ideas

Drugolf

Drugolf

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
SO i picked up a fairly nice XA this weekend. It is all original and in-tact it seems as well as functional. In addition to doing the usual servicing initially, I need to replace the plinth. Between the old deteriorating press board and the, let's face it, crappy vinyl walnut woodgrain it's in a state of failing. Half of the little mounting L brackets have stripped out anyway.

I am going to fabricate a new plinth of solid hardwood of some sort. It will of course be a thicker board and likely a little taller.

Are there any things I need to consider that impact the performance of the table? Any up grade ideas pertaining to how the table is mounted to the plinth? Feet? Otherwise it appears pretty straight forward.

Thanks!
 
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And to be clear, I did not construct the plinth. AvFan here on AK based on Marc’s recommendation. He did a great job. And then Marc schooled me on finishing it.
 
Drugolf said:
SO i picked up a fairly nice XA this weekend. It is all original and in-tact it seems as well as functional. In addition to doing the usual servicing initially, I need to replace the plinth. Between the old deteriorating press board and the, let's face it, crappy vinyl walnut woodgrain it's in a state of failing. Half of the little mounting L brackets have stripped out anyway.

I am going to fabricate a new plinth of solid hardwood of some sort. It will of course be a thicker board and likely a little taller.

Are there any things I need to consider that impact the performance of the table? Any up grade ideas pertaining to how the table is mounted to the plinth? Feet? Otherwise it appears pretty straight forward.

Thanks!
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the inside dimensions are critical. the outside ones not so much unless you are going to use the original dustcover. A little taller works, too tall and the XA looks a bit clumsy ( personal opinion) You want to remove a little at the top inside where the switch is. That doesn't take a whole lot
Note the corner brace lengths tooIMG_1354.JPG
 
If you are good at wood then it should be an easy one to make as there is not much to the plinth.

Had mine built by a guy on here as I am not good with wood and although mine was oiled Walnut it lived in a shed since new in the south so it was ruined.

20190901_171945.jpg
 
Drugolf said:
Came up with this in solid Catalpa. Sanded it today for the finish to go on.
Been looking into how to go about the connections. Run the existing cable out the bottom back as they do now, or go ahead and install RCA, ground and power terminals?
View attachment 1718574
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you can add an IEC for power if you sum all the grounds on the back of the RCA's you won't need to run a separate ground wire
 
Sounds good Marc. I think I saw a thread were that was also discussed.

Anyone wanna share photos of the rear and how they did all the plugs?
 
Audiofreak71 said:
I’m sure it’ll turn out great , can’t wait to see the finished product . Here’s mine , @AvFan did the daunting hard work to make this excellent plinth and our own @marcmorin worked his magic on the rest of the table that turned it into a Hi Speed performer and Hot rod of a table imo.
View attachment 1718989 View attachment 1718988 View attachment 1718990

Audiofreak71
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Still one of my absolute favorite tables on the planet. Yours and @Nashou66 ’s are just art.

I still really love a nice stock XA with the real walnut, god awful top plate paint, clunky LEGO brick headshell...they’re just 60’s cool. The paisley shirt of turntables. They sound great too.
 
zoombrewer77 said:
Still one of my absolute favorite tables on the planet. Yours and @Nashou66 ’s are just art.

I still really love a nice stock XA with the real walnut, god awful top plate paint, clunky LEGO brick headshell...they’re just 60’s cool. The paisley shirt of turntables. They sound great too.
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Why thank you :thumbsup: . They are such excellent sounding tables for such a simple design that’s it’s pretty mind blowing to hear the sound coming from them even to this day.

Audiofreak71
 
Audiofreak71 said:
Why thank you :thumbsup: . They are such excellent sounding tables for such a simple design that’s it’s pretty mind blowing to hear the sound coming from them even to this day.

Audiofreak71
Click to expand...

I’m happy with mine, I know that much. I’m about to break down and rewire that arm I think. Probably install new RCA’s while I’m in there. I think I have a break in the ground braid. I’m not relishing the thought, but I’m a fair hand with a solder iron, so I’ll be okay.
 
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