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Should I keep or sell my modded AR XA for a Rega RP3 or comparable deck?

Hello Audiogon community! This is my first post and it's somewhat of a doozie!

The big question today is should I keep my modded AR XA or sell it in favor of a Rega RP3 or other deck? Just to rattle off some specs, the XA is still running off of the original Haydon motor and is the single-belt style. The tonearm has been completely gone through and has new Cardas wiring along with sapphire bearings in the vertical pivot and a new ball bearing for the tonearm spindle. Cart is a Grado Black1.

Beyond that, the base is polyurethaned Red Oak with a brand new AR logo and brand new tonearm rest. The interconnects for power and audio jacks have also been replaced in favor of a 3-prong grounded plug and two RCA's courtesy of Part Express. It may be worth mentioning that most of the deck is still in pieces as I have to assemble and solder the connections, but that should take no more than a few hours. 

The main reason why I'm even running it by the Audiogon community is because as much as I'll appreciate the deck and the work I've put into it when I'm done, I just don't seeing it out performing a new 'table like the RP3. Because I'd be jumping from a Technics SL-220 and an Ortofon FF 15XE to one of the above decks, I'll see an improvement in sound quality either way. I just want the best improvement at the least cost! 

My original plan was to go for the RP1 and blow the rest on speakers, however, I'd much rather spend the money on something that will last 'til the end of time and be more upgradable. After testing out the RP3 and RP1 at a local HiFi shop, I was thoroughly impressed by the build quality of both, although the RP3 did have a significant leg up when it came to the tonearm. The RP3 sounded better in the top end too, but that was more than likely the result of the Ortofon 2M Blue it had mounted compared to the stock RP1. 

Bottom line, if I go for the RP3 then there's no possible way I could get a decent set of bookshelves to complement. If I go for the RP1, I can get some decent bookshelves, but I'd also shoot myself in the foot in terms of upgradeability and versatility. If I stick with the XA, then I'm getting a tank of a 'table, but the compliance of the arm is sub-par at best and will only accommodate a select few carts. Beyond that, I also wouldn't have the cash to snag some decent bookshelves because it would be tied up in the 'table.

Really just want some advice. I listen to vinyl more casually and like it for the experience rather than the sound quality, although sound is still very important! Would be using the deck with a Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp if that helps in your decision making. Also would prefer to keep deck under $500 if I go for bookshelves. If not, limit sits firmly at $700-$800! 
128x128mjperry96
mjperry96's avatar
mjperry96 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who's sent in replies so far! However, in spite of overwhelming support for me keeping the XA I think I may go with my original plan to sell it. Everything on the 'table is good to go except the wiring for the tonearm, but even that is coming along quickly!

Since my last post, I've actually gotten in contact with the Vintage HiFi Museum in Connecticut and the guys there have been extremely helpful! I'll be going there again this weekend to do some volunteering and will probably finish everything then. If the sound it makes blows my mind, then I may change course and keep it, but like I said I listen to vinyl more casually and prefer solid-damped designs to the XA's sub-chassis.

With all of the upgrades I've done, I think I should be able to get at least $850. As for the new 'table I'll be running, I've been entertaining a cheaper alternative to the RP1 and RP3; a custom U-Turn Orbit. I ran the idea by Michael Fremer over at Analog Planet and although he wasn't familiar with my model Technics he said that it's tonearm was likely better than the one found on the Orbit. Although I don't doubt Mr. Fremer and his experience I figure it's a good idea to run it by the folks here before a make a purchase. For reference, the Orbit I'd build would have an acrylic platter with a Grado Black1 cart. 
raymonda
855 posts
 
Buy a used Rega Planar 3, which can be had for 300-400, if you shop smartly. It a great table and can incrementally upgraded.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
I've had an AR-XA, an XB, the 1980's reissue AR table, as well as a Rega RB-300 arm. The problem in choosing between the original AR and a Rega is that any of the Rega arms is far, far superior to the piece of junk AR arm. If you want the suspended-subchassis type AR table, get the 80's reissue version (which allows the use of any 8-9" arm). Changing the arm on the XA or XB (which I did, putting on a Formula 4 Unipivot in place of the stock arm) requires surgery on the AR's subchassis.
pryso
1,928 posts
 
mjperry, I have not followed pricing for AR tables recently but am amazed if you could get near $850 for a restored one.

On the other hand, if they do now command that range in pricing, what does that tell you?

iopscrl
196 posts
 
The XA is a great table, made beter by the improvements you have added.   The table and arm are capable of outstanding performance using a variety of cartridges.    Back in the day many AR tables were sold with Shure cartridges installed.   The M95 and V15-111 were very popular.    I restored an XA and mounted a Shure m97xe.   I checked alignment to see how far off it was and I was surprised that initial alignment was perfect.  I rechecked alignment using another method, and again it was perfect.   I did some research and discoverd that many believe that AR recomended Shure cartridges, and prealigned the XA arm for Shure geometry.   Anecdotally many report that grado cartridges can hum when used with vintage AR tables.  If someone is willong to pay you $850, dont ask questions, take the money and buy another table !    Unfortunatley an XA is not worth $850.   $500 would be about right, with cartridge installed and aligned.    
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