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AR-XB. Is it worth a new motor?

I recently purchased an AR-XB for $200 from a gentleman who was selling it for an estate of the original owner. It looked great. I did everything but plug it in as he assured me it only needed a new belt. When I got home, the motor would not turn, although I could feel it humming under my finger. Unfortunately, I bought the tt in Pittsburgh while visiting my son. I hand carried it in its original box as a carry on back to Washington state. My question is, should I bite the bullet for a new $200 motor from Vinyl Nirvana, or chalk it up to experience and move on? Now I know some of you would spend more than that on the wiring for the tonearm, but that's a bit of money for my habit given my finances. The rest of the system is Mac 2100, Mac C26, Acoustat Spectra 1100, Audiolab 6000cdt, Audiolab M+DAC, MIT interconnects. Jazz, acoustic, bluegrass, Americana and vintage rock are what I listen to. Oh, and I have  brandy new Ortofon Super OM 20 I was going to use. My back-up table is a Sony PS-LX5.

chuckt
chuckt OP
29 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded. Everything helps. It seems like folks are hesitant about the Ortofon on this table. Reasons?

@baylinor I own a JD tractor that is worth more now than when I bought it 5 years ago. Past price is not always an indication of future worth.

@puptent @jasonbourne71 I have no intention of selling it. I’ve wanted an AR since my college days in the 70’s. I’ve been in contact with Dave at Vinyl Nirvana (what a nice guy!) and just looking at that site is encouraging.

@palasr I’m not good with a soldering iron. Ask me to wire a house? No problem...big wires and big tools. I do have a local tech who does fine work that will soon see this table.

Again, thanks to all who have responded (and, hopefully, will continue). I’ll post pics when it’s running again.

Chuck

billstevenson
352 posts
 

I have been sitting on the fence on this thread.  I used to have a C26 and a 2100 and can't let you dangle in the breeze.  The AR turntable is an enigma.  It was a brilliant, though flawed design.  With the 3 point suspension it was copied first by Thorens and then by some charlatan in Scotland ;-) who certainly validated the concept.  But the arm, OMG the arm was a disaster.  It chewed up stylii like they were candy.  It had waaay too much friction you see.  There is nothing for it frankly.  The AR turntable is for suckers.  Fix it if you can and sell it to one of those and may G*d have mercy on your soul.  Go in peace. 

chuckt OP
29 posts
 

@billstevenson Thanks for getting off the fence, the feedback is much appreciated. I have been going back and forth between charging ahead and restoring the table to like new condition or putting it on the back shelf while I do some research about arm/headshell replacement vs buying a used, more modern table. So, I am on the fence as well. Especially after having a talk with my tech about how people started modding the table almost as soon as it was put on the market. Either way, I will keep the table as it is a "fine piece of audio history".

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