• Please note that Audiokarma will be offline briefly for updates early on Monday morning, September 28th.

AR XA turntable

tubeboob

tubeboob

Super Member
Picked up an Acoustic Research XA turntable this weekend.

Missing the headshell. Belt is too loose.

Cosmetically could uses good clean up.

Untested.

Paid a little bit, but now I come to know that the headshells are darn nigh impossible to locate at a fair price.

Also learned that the option is to use Technics arm/parts.

Any advise?

Sure does look interesting.

Cheers
 
Register to hide this ad
Keep you eye on ebay....sometimes you can get one for a reasonable cost. They're getting more and more rare......thus the high prices.

As for changing it to the Technics arm/parts, I've never done it but others have and I'm sure they'll chime in.

Either way, once you get it up and running you'll find it a very enjoyable listening experience.

Good luck,

John
 
It sure would have been better knowing the head shell situation before buying, but you do have a great platform for modding. Lots of information on these tables. Rega tonearms are a popular mod for this table. Google Vinyl Nirvana for a good overview on what can be done with the ARXA.

Mine was in great shape, so I lucked out.
 
If I can locate it, I have a headshell that somebody (before I got it) attempted to solder on. I will be happy to give it to you if you would like to mess with it and see if it's salvageable.
 
I am surprised no one has made an after market shell for the XA. I have an original on my XA, but would pay for a nice metal one.
 
Cadillac Kid said:
I am surprised no one has made an after market shell for the XA. I have an original on my XA, but would pay for a nice metal one.
Click to expand...

The headshell on an XA/XB is probably the most complicated piece on the table. The start-up costs on manufacture to fit "as is" would be astronomical.
 
The plastic shell is likely a part of the arm's calculated performance, given Edgar's 'global' approach.
 
I was hoping that with the advances in computerized industrial machines that someone could make new ones, even if they used a similar plastic. I won't hold my breath, while treating it with kid gloves. Anyway, cool find tubeboob. Congratulations.
 
Last edited:
Wait, here is a better solution. The manual that came with my XA says I can send away for a new headshell for 2 dollars, might as well get two and a dust cover for only another 3 bucks.
 
Sounds like I need an XA to go with my collection of turntables that use funky specific headshells that have no aftermarket option. So far its 3 different Garrards and a Thorens.
 
Cadillac Kid said:
Wait, here is a better solution. The manual that came with my XA says I can send away for a new headshell for 2 dollars, might as well get two and a dust cover for only another 3 bucks.
Click to expand...

Platter mats were the same price, one turned into goo and the other turned into gold.
 
There is a black one on ebay right now, for a fair price.
I've read that the black ones are better/more durable than the grey ones. Don't quote me on that, though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom