Look above lol.
Buying Husband a turtable.....
- Thread starter chikaudolvr
- Start date
No Money
Super Member
Welcome to Audiokarma chikaudolvr, 99.9% of the people here are very helpful. One or two, not so much.
The AR is a nice turntable, the XA being the first if my understanding is correct. ebay, Barter Town here are good places to start looking. Other tables to look at, if darkblue doesn't mind me saying, are the Thorens range, have had a couple and like them. If budget allows a TD125 MkII. Again, if budget allows, a Linn LP12 is wonderful.
marcmorin, mentioned above is a great resource on AR turntables and posts here.
I also completely understand the "nostalgia" thing. I recently bought a turntable because it was the same as the first really good turntable I ever owned.
The AR is a nice turntable, the XA being the first if my understanding is correct. ebay, Barter Town here are good places to start looking. Other tables to look at, if darkblue doesn't mind me saying, are the Thorens range, have had a couple and like them. If budget allows a TD125 MkII. Again, if budget allows, a Linn LP12 is wonderful.
marcmorin, mentioned above is a great resource on AR turntables and posts here.
I also completely understand the "nostalgia" thing. I recently bought a turntable because it was the same as the first really good turntable I ever owned.
Yeah we posted about the same time lol , at least she has options though.
Audiofreak71
savatage1973
Addicted Member
^^^ This! Not only should the price be cheaper (local sale vs Ebay), but you don't have to worry about shipping. Shipping a TT is a gamble.
chikaudolvr
New Member
Thank you all so much, this has been very helpful I did find one ARXB on the bay, it could be the very one you're talking about, but in one of the pics looks to have a large piece gouged out, I am waiting on a reply from the seller! Nostalgia is nice but it doesn't have to necessarily be the AR I am open to other options and will look into those that are suggested thanks guys! Oh and just so there's no confusion, yes I am buying it for my husband but I have to admit I'm looking forward to having it as well LOL.
chikaudolvr
New Member
Thanks that's the exact one I am waiting on a reply from the cellar if you look about the third picture in it looks as though there is a big chunk missing out of the side of it still haven't heard from the seller yet
chikaudolvr
New Member
Omg, talk to txt, *seller*
chikaudolvr
New Member
I'm not in a hurry to buy it by Christmas, if I don't find exactly what I want then I will just make it an anniversary present in March, I would rather make sure to get the right thing instead of buying something in a hurry. The one on eBay is kind of in my price range I could pay a little more. I had an account on here 5 years ago but I couldn't remember my username or password.I really wanted to share a video with all of you (I think you alk will cringe when you hear this...)with our Marantz 2270 and our dynocos, which we don't have anymore and cry about that to this very day! We found them at our local Goodwill for $25 and they were in mint condition....
chikaudolvr
New Member
Only one stipulation, would only be interested in vintage, to go with the rest of our collection....
Hifiler
Well-Known Member
Chikaudolvr, where are you located?
I’ve noticed there is a person in Des Moines, Iowa that has been listing a refurbished AR XB on Craigslist for many months now (no affiliation):
https://desmoines.craigslist.org/ele/d/audiophile-quality-vintage/6737565483.html
I’ve noticed there is a person in Des Moines, Iowa that has been listing a refurbished AR XB on Craigslist for many months now (no affiliation):
https://desmoines.craigslist.org/ele/d/audiophile-quality-vintage/6737565483.html
savatage1973
Addicted Member
Location, location, location... 
If you can, post a pic of your system that you will be adding the table to. Might give us a better idea of the aesthetics you are looking for
If you can, post a pic of your system that you will be adding the table to. Might give us a better idea of the aesthetics you are looking for
Well then Pioneer and Kenwood are also options.
A few Pios on the bay, some maybe over budget, some in auction, some in your price range. But this gives you some idea of the Pioneers around your price and vintage.
damacman
Resident Psycho
While all of the above are excellent suggestions, I'd be hesitant about buying a turntable from most eBay sellers.
Can you pack it so that it arrives safely and in the condition shown?
Yes, of course.
Turntable arrives smashed to bits because seller was unable to pack it safely.
@chikaudolvr - best of luck in your quest. You may also look for a nice locally available unit to avoid the potential of shipping damage. Most Craigslists have plenty to offer.
Can you pack it so that it arrives safely and in the condition shown?
Yes, of course.
Turntable arrives smashed to bits because seller was unable to pack it safely.
@chikaudolvr - best of luck in your quest. You may also look for a nice locally available unit to avoid the potential of shipping damage. Most Craigslists have plenty to offer.
All of my tables but one were purchased and shipped through eBay, all arrived complete, if their had been an issue their comprehensive buyer protection policy would have covered me completely. You won't be nearly as protected with Craigslist if you get home with the table and 3 days later realize something is amiss.
By shopping through eBay and a little patience here are just 3 of the tables I've purchased.
The most expensive being the KD770D at $345 including a Denon DL301 cartridge worth more than the price of admission.
Kenwood KD500 with Grace G707 arm $335
Pristine Technics SL1200MKII I picked up last yr for a young friend as his first table, $300
The last two are 70's era vintage
The most expensive being the KD770D at $345 including a Denon DL301 cartridge worth more than the price of admission.
Kenwood KD500 with Grace G707 arm $335
Pristine Technics SL1200MKII I picked up last yr for a young friend as his first table, $300
The last two are 70's era vintage
musichal
poet emeritus
I'm a Thorens fan, too. I have also owned an ARXB, but liked the Thorens more. My model of choice was always the TD-165, but a TD-160 is even better. These are belt-drive tables with sub-chassis suspended on springs, thus similar in design to the AR. So if you like one, you will probably like the other. A good strategy may be to keep an eye out for both, and buy whatever/whichever you find in excellent condition.
IMO, the Thorens is the better table, having a better arm, headshell, and cuing device, and appears built better overall. The TD-165 that I love is completely manual.
Personally, if choosing an AR, I'd rather buy an AR EB101 table (built mid-80s) than either an XA or XB. It still has the right vintage look, but a bit better design, imo.
IMO, the Thorens is the better table, having a better arm, headshell, and cuing device, and appears built better overall. The TD-165 that I love is completely manual.
Personally, if choosing an AR, I'd rather buy an AR EB101 table (built mid-80s) than either an XA or XB. It still has the right vintage look, but a bit better design, imo.
If you decide to purchase from EBAY, do yourself a favor and search this site for how to properly pack a turntable for shipping! And, then communicate the packing instructions to the seller.You may get lucky and the seller knows a little bit about shipping turntables, or maybe doesn't. My Garrard Lab80 came in a box with no packing and the tonearm was loose-just flopping around in there. Platter was just spinning at will. Luckily, it was all fixable, though.
And, WELCOME to the AK Forums!
And, WELCOME to the AK Forums!