Vinyl Nirvana sells nicely modded AR TTs for ~$650. I bought one! Among the modifications the stock arm tube is replaced by a Technics with removable headshell and a wiring upgrade. The venerable AR is transformed into a competitor against today's four-figure TTs!
A 60 year old turntable design is still going strong!
Way before my time but an interesting take on a classic table!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOlhiZ902hY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOlhiZ902hY