Another Turntable Offering:
AR the Turntable in Walnut, Includes Shure V-15 Cartridge, $795 plus shipping
Why buy a refurbished AR turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
Buying vintage electronic equipment on eBay can be a gamble. To better your chances at winning, you want two things: 1) Plenty of information about the auction item; and 2) A seller you can trust. When an AR turntable is refurbished by Vinyl Nirvana, it undergoes a multi-step inspection and tuning regimen. Ask a seller of an AR table on Ebay these questions and see if you can get a response…
Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?
Is the spindle straight? Was the spindle cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?
Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?
Is the belt new or in near mint condition?
Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)
Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)
Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?
Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?
Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate? Is anti-skate functioning? Is appropriate tonearm weight installed?
Is cueing adjusted properly?
Were electrical connections cleaned and inspected? Headshell leads? Tonearm recepticle? RCA plugs? (Dirty connections can contribute to hum problems.) Are all connections tight? ( I use Dexoit products, highly recommended.)
Is transport screw intact? Is it functioning properly?
Are dust cover hinges intact and not stripped?
Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?
What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?
Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)
Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 33 and 45 rpm?
Was headshell inspected? Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle?
Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?
Is a proper mat installed?
Is the base intact? Are the rubber feet intact?
If an AR table fails to pass any of the above inspections, Vinyl Nirvana corrects the problem before it gets listed. If the turntable is unsellable due to too many defects, it becomes a parts unit to be used in the restoration of other AR units. In addition to this multi-step inspection, each turntable is thoroughly detailed with appropriate cleaners. The average cleaning takes up to two hours. Though the tables Vinyl Nirvana sells will vary cosmetically, they will always be clean. See our testimonial page.
This Week’s AR the Turntable
The AR the Turntable is one of those tables that makes my heart beat faster. It has looks that demand attention, particularly the oiled walnut veneer.
Cosmetically, this table is an 8.0 on a scale of 1-10. (I’m a hard rater.) The walnut veneer is in very good shape. There is one 2mm chip on the right rear rail (see pic), and there are minor signs of wear if you look hard enough. The metal portion of the plinth has some light circular scratching (see pic) NOT visible with the platters in place. A dust cover in overall very good condition is included…some very light abrasions and slight scratches.
The turntable is 100% functional, including the Hurst motor which is quiet and holds steady speed.
A co-polymer pulley ($59) has been added. The springs, grommets and studs ($65) have all been replaced/upgraded. The belt is new. If you are interested in other upgrades, check here. Installation is free for all upgrades purchased.
The Stock Tonearm w/ Shure V-15 Cartridge
The stock AR arms were made by Jelco, a company still making well-regarded tonearms today. It features full adjust-ability and a removable headshell. My advice to owners of the stock arm has always been to mount the best cartridge you can afford. In this case, I am including a Shure V-15V, one of the finest moving magnet cartridges ever sold. It is used, and so I recommend replacement of the stylus within 12 months. A company named Jico out of Japan makes excellent replacements. These V-15s, even with NO stylus, sell steadily for $100 to $200 on eBay.
The Details
I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.
Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new parts are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.