The AR (Acoustic Research) Turntable for Sale - Reasonable Price?

[illson20]

One of these just popped up in my area on Craigslist (it is an "The AR" model not the ES1). It's cosmetically in good condition but according to the owner has never been officially serviced. Motor spins up without issues, there's some slight movement in the arm but no major red flags according to him. It's got a linn basik plus tonearm on it and an old Supex cart that needs a replacement stylus.

What's a fair price for one of these that has no maintenance history to speak of? Most of the reference data points I see on on ebay / hifi shark have much better tonearms and service record but are pricey.

Also - i'm drawn to the beauty of these turntables but curious from others if this would be a step up from my main table - a Dual 621 w/a Shure V15 type II cart mounted.

Thoughts?

 

[RossW]

The ones that actually sell seem to go for ~$500 (lots of dreamers in the ~$1000 range). If you're talking about the same one that's currently listed on eBay for $899, I wouldn't pay anywhere near that.

 

[doug76712]

There's been one in Killeen, Tx listed on Austin's CL and maybe Temple/Killeen's as well for $200 without cart and like $350 with cart. Seemed was a Shure V15 iii maybe?

Edit: It's a M97xe cartridge and here's the link...

https://austin.craigslist.org/ele/d/kempner-ar-xa-turntable-or-o-new-shure/7334677570.html

 

[illson20]

Thanks for the feedback. I was able to review some recent sales history on ebay and agree - that price is high. Thanks for your feedback @RossW
@doug76712 - i looked up the one you mentioned but that one was actually a different model. I think an AR-XA. Seems like the price target of ~500 with the arm question is reasonable albeit on the high side.