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Vintage ARxb turntable. Refurb or replace

Hello fellow music lovers. I am asking advice as to whether I should refurbish my vintage 47 year old ARxb turntable or replace. I primarily stream Qobuz through a Bluesound streamer 
and McIntosh MA7900 and SVS Ultra Towers and subs. I have an old record collection but rarely use my TT as it has a hum that needs attention. My question is Refurb or replace. I figure Refurb may cost 3-600 and a budget to replace is 1500 give or take. Sentimental value is high as I bought this TT new in ‘76 after recovering from a severe case of Guillain Barre Syndrome and is the last part of my first major purchase (long gone Marantz2270, AR2ax speakers. I do not plan on changing my streaming habits as I love finding new music. I also used my album collection for a Jazz radio show many years ago and the studios needles were unkind to my albums. Thank you. 
128x128jyadlon

Showing 1 response by nat55

nat55
2 posts
 
The AR, if it is in good working order is surprisingly good.  The arm looks rather agricultural, adjustments are rather clumsy and the only antiskating is provided by the twist of the tonearm leads, but it works well.  The headshell mating pins wear quickly so push it into the arm and then tighten the collar rather than using the collar to draw the headshell into the arm.
There is tons of information out there on how to restore, modify, or upgrade ARs, but it sounds like you might be satisfied with a simple refurbishment, which you might do yourself, though there are reputable people who focus on AR restoration.
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