Suitable amp/receiver match for Acoustic Research turntable

[Melter]

Hi folks first post here and hope you can help. Got an Acoustic Research Legend turntable on its way. It's in need of some work so in the meantime just doing a bit of research into amps.

Loving the look of the 70s/80s amps especially those with the vu meters and wood casing so wondered if anyone had advice on a nice match, sound/performance wise, for this turntable. Integrated amp or receivers preferable and I'm in the UK so something I could get in this market please.

 

[bully]

AR made some nice, classic turntables. Not familiar with your model.
Late 70s integrated amps, eh? Some very nice, solid models from that era. Pioneer, of course, and Sansui. But Yamaha made some fantastic integrated amps that would match a nice AR table.
Oh, yeah, maybe more spendy (or not, I don't follow the auctions), the Kenwood 600 would be great. The KA-907 is a bit newer Kenwood integrated amp and a very good unit.
Me? I'd look at the Yamaha. But if you have Tandberg's available (hey, you're almost in Europe LOL), I would get one. Tandberg then Yamaha. Unless there was a Kenwood model 600 for a good price.
I hope I've helped to muddy the waters

 

[Whitehall]

I used that TT with a Marantz 1030 integrated amp. A 1060 is a bit better and looks even nicer with twice the wpc. Love those walnut cabinets.

No meters though.

 

[Melter]

AR made some nice, classic turntables. Not familiar with your model.

Otherwise known as Acoustic Research The Turntable. Nice suggestions but can only find examples in the US so far. Keep them coming though.

 

[Markw]

I think you might want to give a bit more consideration to the cartridge mounted in the TT as opposed to the TT itself, no?

 

[Toasted Almond]

The Acoustic Research Receiver would complement that table nicely.

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

When I was a kid (a long, long, time ago) I had a nice brouchure from AR that showed their entire line. One of the pics was of the very attractive (then) Judy Collins, at home listening to her stereo system, comprised of all Acoustic Research components.

 

[Eunomians]

I've got an AR-XA & AR-XB that i've paired up with a Marantz 2270, Philips TR920 & Sansui 9090.

There is no doubt that the cartridge choice is the dominant factor in the sound of a turntable.

Sansui receivers have a lovely sound unto themslelves. I like my AR turntables paired up with Sansui components & V15 series cartridges.

 

[wineslob]

I own and use an AR "The Table". Its an excellent table and at one time was the "darling" of modders. The favorite mods were a Rega RB 300 arm, and a plinth mod. I still use mine with a Denon DL 160 cart, and it is all stock. One thing to watch for, the year made. If its prior to 1985 there were motor problems and with the stock arm, a sticking problem. More info here:

http://www.vinylnirvana.com/ar_models_notes.shtml

 

[Melter]

I think you might want to give a bit more consideration to the cartridge mounted in the TT as opposed to the TT itself, no?

I'm here to learn so I'll take that advice onboard thanks . Just thought I'd get some opinions as there's a bewildering choice of amps out there and this forum seemed a good place to ask. I listen to a very mixed bag of music and want to explore jazz with this turntable so I'd like a good all-rounder.

On the subject of cartridges do these older integrated amps have the facility to use MM and MC cartridges or would I need to look at a dedicated preamp for this?

 

[Markw]

Depending on your definition of "older",...

...virtually all older integrateds contain built in MM circuity. MC came about later, in the 70s and 80s and is a little bit more difficult to find.

 

[onplane]

Melter:

Just about all quality amps/receivers that have a "phono" input jack support magnetic phono cartridges. Only the extremely low end were designed for the lower quality ceramic cartridges.

Regards,
Jerry