Cartridge for Acoustic Research AR XA Turntable

John Bauder · « **on:** 13 Feb 2003, 03:16 am »

I just bought a Acoustic Research AR XA Turntable on ebay. It appears to have a stock arm and it needs a new cartridge. Would a grado silver or gold be a good choice? Any other suggestions?

sceptic · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Feb 2003, 10:47 pm »

I think you mean AR XA.

Apart from that, I don't know much about them of course.
You are going to need home-grown advice here.

Try putting ar xa in the search box here

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html

Have you got it home yet?
I would give it a try with your old cartridge first.

Give us link to the auction if it has a picture.

John Bauder · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Feb 2003, 02:59 am »

Thanks Sceptic. No I should get it Tuesday. Here is the link. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=3006246561&rd=1

sceptic · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Feb 2003, 10:17 pm »

Have you got it yet?

Assuming its like my old Thorens, you need to:
Release the transit bolts.
Check the oil in the main bearing.
Put the outer platter on upside down and have a look at how the belt runs.
Adjust the springs.
To do this, remove the base board to see how it all works,
check the springs are not twisted / off centre.
Then support the turntable on 4 dog food tins.
This keeps it level while you adjust the suspension for a nice even bounce.
Clean the motor pulley, the inner platter rim and the belt.
If all is well, your first purchases should be a new belt and a felt mat.
Or some records.

John Bauder · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Feb 2003, 11:44 pm »

No It was delayed because the seller insists on money-orders. I just got the UPS tracking info that says it should be delivered on the 26th.

The ad said the cartridge was working but "sounds old." What does that mean? Also, I see the Stanton 681EEE which it has is stil available. It is more than I want to spend at about $135. Is it the best choice though? I was hoping to get by for around $50 or 60.

BTW I was able to locate and download an operators manual for the TT. That should be very helpful.

sceptic · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Feb 2003, 12:34 am »

I would never spend as much on a cartridge as the rest of the turntable!
Its a very long time since I used a mm cartridge. I had a fairly cheap Grado that was very good.
No idea what suits that arm, I would suggest you post on Vinyl Asylum over at Audio Asylum, there's probably someone with first hand experience there, but stress you don't want to spend too much.
Try out the turntable before buying a new cartridge. You will need an alignment protractor to fit a new cartridge (or check the old one).

Rocket · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Feb 2003, 12:36 am »

hello john,

i had an acoustic research eb101 (i wish i didn't sell it) and i had a shure 97he cartridge which sounded really good.

i've also heard the shure v15 is a good cartridge there is one for sale on ebay uk.

anyway good luck.

regards

rod

John Bauder · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Feb 2003, 02:17 am »

Today my TT arrived. I hooked it up and my new [to me] Quicksilver GLA amp. OMG! I am not sure I can even describe the difference. I think the main thing is clarity. The words seem to be enunciated more clearly. It is much easier to separate the various instruments. The sound stage may have broadened a little too. I am thinking about hooking up my old Pioneer PL 514 TT to see how much of the improvement was the amp.