[yeldarb]

For some reason I feel an urge to buy one of these, that has been restored, rewired, etc..  I currently have 2 Technics DD tables, one with linear tracking, the other a cheaper model that still sounds good.  Is an AR still worth owning?  I remember them from when I sold audio, but didn't get to play with one.  At that time, I had a Phillips GA212.  It sounded great If you could sit completely still.  The spring suspension was so soft that the least movement came up through the floor and would cause the suspension to oscillate and then the arm would mis-track.  That is why I own the Technics version of a Kenner Close and Play.  Not sure my floors in this house are much firmer than the old apartment that used to screw up the Phillips.

[orthobiz]

Hopefully Wayner will weigh in. I have no experience.
Have you checked out vinyl nirvana dot com?

Paul

[LM]

I semi retired my AR XB (after 30 years or so from new) for a modded SL 1210 a few years back so I can offer some thoughts though as with all opinions, purely personal.  Firstly, there are a number of AR TT models so it may depend on which one you fancy but I did love my XB (stock arm etc) and have a very high opinion of them.  Why I changed was fundamentally because in my current place, I could never fully isolate the AR despite huge efforts nor get the suspension spot on. The Techy was far more immune and simpler.  As to sound, I've always found a DD to better suit my desire for speed stability and with a few careful mods, the 1210 with a few upgrades sounds great - clean and neutral.  However the AR had that wonderful rich and warm midrange (same cartridge) so perhaps a touch coloured but in what I think is a delightful way.

If I had the space, I'd have both working side by side and no doubt have my favourite LPs for each.  But at the moment, suspended decks do not best suit my situation.  As to yours, if you have a good spot or shelf that you can isolate reasonably, I can see it being a fun experiment.  Just make sure the restoration has been nicely done.  No doubt you'll be able to sell it on with little if any loss later on if you wish.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I have a bone stock AR-XA that raised the eyebrows of a couple card carrying audiophile tube/vinyl guys a while back.
To date, I've still not got my vinyl rig going, but based solely on the looks on their faces when the music started playing, I knew I had something special and chose to keep it for that day "when" I can get it going at my place.

If time, money, space, life allows, I'd like to do some of the (extensive) Merrell[sp?] mods to it, just for the fun of it.
I traded for this table about five years ago for what would amount to a $75-$100 trade.
So yea....this one is definitely worth it.

Bob

[xsb7244]

Check out these guys to have your AR modded.
1.  BaMorin member of Audiocircle
2.  Vinyl Nirvana upgrade parts for AR
3.  Sound of the Wood upgrade parts
4.  Russell Coco
5.  Steve Frosten
 Did I miss anybody?

[Bob in St. Louis]

This is neat; http://johnsweather.com/Turntable.html

[xsb7244]

Add 1 more mod
John Masangkay Radgear AR Golden Orbit turntable.

[jea48]

For some reason I feel an urge to buy one of these, that has been restored, rewired, etc..  I currently have 2 Technics DD tables, one with linear tracking, the other a cheaper model that still sounds good.  Is an AR still worth owning?  I remember them from when I sold audio, but didn't get to play with one.  At that time, I had a Phillips GA212.  It sounded great If you could sit completely still.  The spring suspension was so soft that the least movement came up through the floor and would cause the suspension to oscillate and then the arm would mis-track.  That is why I own the Technics version of a Kenner Close and Play.  Not sure my floors in this house are much firmer than the old apartment that used to screw up the Phillips.

My Son picked up an AR TT in great shape and gave it to for Christmas about ten years ago.
I installed a Rega RB300 arm with a VTA adjuster on a new arm board I made for the TT. I changed out the factory arm counterweight with a  "Heavy weight arm counterweight"

My Son later picked up 3 new suspension springs made by Linn, (if memory serves me right, made by Linn).

I still use the AR TT to this day.

[Kenneth Patchen]

That's an understatement, Bob about the rennovation at http://johnsweather.com/Turntable.html ... that's VERY neat. Clever guy he is ... And a Jeff Beck fan as well. Thanks for sending that.

[Bob in St. Louis]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. 

[drtool]

Lots of AR rebuilds going on at AK, with reviews.

[tomytoons]

Lots of work done on that one!
WoW!
The AR ES1 and EB101 are nice sounding tables.