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The AR turntable

I have a mint AR turntable that I bought new in about 1985. It has a Rega RB300 arm, Blue Point from the mid-90's, and a machined armboard I think I bought at Audio Advisor.

It's been in storage for several years. I pulled it out yesterday, dusted it off and hooked it up to my Rogue Magnum 99/McCormack DNA 1-A+++/ Martin Logan Ascent/Depth system, and was blown away by how good it sounded for such an old piece of gear.

It has me considering either selling it and replacing it with something newer (and presumably better), or spending a few bucks to upgrade it.

What's the received wisdom on these ideas? I'd like to spend no more than $1000-$1200 net (i.e. after selling it if I go that route).

Your insights would be appreciated.

Happy New Year to all Audiogoners!
bbopman
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Dump the tonearm and find a nice pre-owned SME or Graham.

You can upgrade the existing tonearm all you wish but at the end of the day it's still a Rega.

If you decide to sell everything, buy a pre-owned table/tonearm from a seller with good feedback. Analog is hot at the moment and many folks are upgrading. Bargains abound.

It will buy a lot more performance as opposed to purchasing new.
gaslover
48 posts
 
I owned one of these; wish I still had it.
armstrod
613 posts
 
If its so good, why do you want to upgrade

Stringreen, you know better than to ask that question - this is Audiogon, after all. :-)

Bbopman, if you decide to sell and replace the AR, you'll get many different recommendations. I've had suspended tables in the past, but now that I have solid floors I prefer unsuspended designs. Right now it's a Technics SP-15 with a Rega RB-250, but my Well Tempered Record Player was pretty good too, if you like to futz. It's more a matter of taste than any inherent advantage.

If you decide to upgrade, go here:

http://www.vinylnirvana.com

and you can see all the options for upgrading. I've corresponded with Dave and he's very knowledgeable about AR and vintage TTs in general. He'll be able to lay everything out for you.

Good luck! You're already starting in a pretty good place.

David
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
anything else you get, won't be 'the' ar turntable. the arm could go, but the table is forever.
michaeljbrown
146 posts
 
Ditto Armstrod..I am waiting for an AR AX rebuilt/modded by Dave at Vinylnirvana.com ; if you already have a nice the ar tt, he's the Go To guy.
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