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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
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.
bbopman OP
53 posts
 
Thanks for the replys.

Springsteen: What I meant was that I had forgotten how engaging vinyl can be after several years of listening only to CD's/SACD;s through my Wadia 830/ Sony 333ES. My real question was this: If 25 year old gear is this good, is the newer stuff THAT much better? In other words, for $1500 to $2k, what is the best way to listen to vinyl?

I have maybe 500 LP's, mostly unduplicated by my 2000 or so CD's, so it would be great to to get reacquainted with all the music I "left behind" when we bought a new house several year ago and I packed up the T.

I still have a hard timing writing a check for four figures for an arm or cartridge, but can if that's the best way to go.

thanks again to all who took time to reply.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Keep it for awhile. It's more than good. You might find it is all you need. The only thing I would consider is a new cartridge. The Bluepoint is OK but you can do better for not much money. The table is fine and the arm is good.
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