AR ES-1 table w/AQ tonearm

What sort of mods are available for the table? Are they cost effective and worth the money on a table as old as this?

As already suggested go to the Vinyl Nirvana site. There is some great information on AR tables and mods for them. You might also want to research the mods done by Anthony Scilia. From my own research of AR mods when I had some interest in these tables it appeared to me the mods were well thought out and would definitely offer good bang for the buck versus buying a new table of comparable quality. Most of the mods can be done as DIY projects too.

I believe the PT-9 arm is a PT-6 with better improved internal wiring?

Apachef1, How do you know the AQ PT-9 Arm would benefit from better Internals Wiring? Have you done this Mod? What's wrong with the AQ Litz Copper?

I never read of anyone, or as far as that goes, any one company offering any Service-Upgrades to a AQ Arm. Rega, yeah, but why not the AQ, if it is lacking wiring-wise?

As a side note, if I could re-wire the AQ, it would probably be with Van Den Hul Pure Silver.

I know some of the lesser Regas were said to have some junk internal wire, hence the Origin Live, and other Modders out there.

With that said, would Cardas Internal Wire actually be better if one installed it?

Many Moons ago, I can remember with the old VPI HW19 Tables, many said if the choice was between the RB-250/300 Rega, or they AQ PT, they'd take the AQ PT.

As far as I know, the AQ PT-6/7/8 were the exact same Arm, just different Tonearm Cable. The PT-9 is a slightly different animal, with a different Uni-Pivot, and different Grey Color.

AQ dropped the PT Arms, but they are Jelco (in Japan) Based, and others such as the Jelco SA-250ST, are in essence the exact same Arm. The Older Graham Robin was another Jelco clone.

You've asked if this is a good Arm? Yes, a very good, versatile Arm, that performs quite well IMO. Doubtful one will easily find such a good Arm for such little money. Mark

Also check out Sound of Wood. They are another top AR modder.