2. analog
  3. 1118602962

Fix up my old AR or get a new table?

I bought an AR turntable back when they were riding high in the 80s as a great budget table. I still have it, and it still works, but (contrary to the predicted end of vinyl) there have been quite a few advancements in analog design over the last 20 years, so I'm wondering how the old workhorse holds up to some of the newer budget tables. Is it worth holding on to the AR and maybe look at a new arm and cart, or have budget tables gotten so much better that I should just start fresh? If the advice is to find something new I'd like to stay in the 1500-2000 range for the whole thing (table, arm, cart). Or would I be better off investing that money in just a very good arm and cart?
tonyptony

Showing 4 responses by tonyptony

tonyptony OP
627 posts
 
Wow! Thanks Dekay. I'll give this site a good going over before I jump to any hasty decisions.
tonyptony OP
627 posts
 
I've found a bit or two on AudioAsylum tonight; I'll keep looking. Yes, Merrill offered a bunch of mods to the AR tables. Like an idiot I didn't buy any of them at the time. Merrill stopped offering those mods a while ago. Well, the only excuse I have is that back then I really didn't have the money to throw around. There's a fellow listed on the Vinyl Nirvana site that seems to have taken over (in spirit) for Merrill.
tonyptony OP
627 posts
 
Yes, I kick myself in the pants every time I think about not biting the bullet back then and sending in my ES-1 for the full Merrill mods. Easy to say that now, but back then money was an issue. It's just too bad that his company stopped doing that kind of work. Anthony Scillia seems to have taken over; he offers new armboards, adjustment studs, SS shaft, and a spring kit. But no subchassis upgrade.

76, how did you like the Merrill acrylic platter? And was the Rel Cap the same value as the original?
tonyptony OP
627 posts
 
Iopsc, where would I get a new motor?
More to discover