Crosley turntables
- Thread starter Morgan D
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- crosley crosley c-8
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likebike23
Addicted Member
I just took a look at it online. It looks like it's every bit as good as any of the $200 new tables out there. If I was on the lookout for something new and cheap to start out I'd consider it. Does it have any end of record return/lift or platter stopping mechanism? I can see it has a cue lever which is a good thing.
Kit Carson
Active Member
If you are expecting the higher price and resemblance to more modern turntables is going to be a big step up from a Crosley suitcase model I have a feeling you are in for a disapointment. It's just another botl table made by Hanpin. If going new with a $200 budget I'd highly recommend a USA mfg U-Turn Orbit. Tons of writeups info on AK if you do a search. UTurn provides great customer service/support for the novice.
Morgan D
Super Member
It's funny you bring up U-turn . At the time ,U-turn was having motor issues. That is why I bought the C-8 instead.
likebike23
Addicted Member
Add a cue lever and phono stage to the U turn and it's closer to $309. The U turn basic isnt available in walnut finish either, if that matters to you. Other than the walnut finish, we are now comparing apples to apples. It may not matter to some, but $109 difference is a significant difference when you only have $200 to spend. Jus sayin' 
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likebike23
Addicted Member
I have an AR and it's a nice machine. It was a very early model with the delrin bearing wells. It also needed a tonearm rewire and motor disassembly, cleaning, and relube. It was a pain to deal with the bearing wells, but now that I have it sorted out it's a good runner.
I recommend if you are going to get one, get a later one than I did. It should have the cast aluminum t- bar subassembly and single motor. It will be much more straightforward a restoration.
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
More than one audio rag reviewer has stated the AR XA was their first real taste of the high end. The little table that could was my main deck for many yrs, purchased a Thorens TD-166MKII thinking to step up, the Thorens went into the bedroom system.
It wasn't until "The Rock" Kenwood KD-500/Grace G-707 came along that the AR gave up it's spot on top. This was a completely stock AR, modded they can be quite special.
Morgan D
Super Member
yes I would like a tone arm with a changeable head shell if that is doable with the AR.
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
The AR headshell is removable
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
I have no personal experience with this model. Just as an aside, don't get hung up on specs, plenty of DD plastic schlock out there from days gone by with great numbers that sound like ****.
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Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
It has a bayonet mount but if memory serves it's proprietary so not universal. I could be wrong and I'm sure someone else will chime in her to confirm or not. I never was a cartridge swapper so never changed the original headshell, mounted a Grado Reference Platinum wood body and enjoyed outstanding music.
Many are trashed, the plastic threads strip easily. That said there are people 3D printing nice replacements. I have 4 repops with cartridges, the good original I have is in a dawer.
Morgan D
Super Member
Yes I will consult with others before I buy again . I read that they just made numbers up during the heyday of crazy specs.
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
No, they truly had great numbers, it takes more than spinning a record at the right speed with low wow & flutter to make real music.
Morgan D
Super Member
Better to stay with the AR arm or the mods are better?
