Another Turntable Offering:
Maxed Out Cherry AR ES-1 Turntable, SME 3009 Series II Arm,
Why spend more to 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 another seller of aa 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. Can you trust Vinyl Nirvana as a seller? Please read our ebay feedback (username vinylnirvana3345) regarding sales of turntables. Notice references to item exactly as described. Notice references to excellent packing. Notice references to our service and commitment after the sale. Then see our testimonial page linked on the “For Sale” page.
This Week’s Loaded AR ES-1 Turntable w/ new SME 3009 Tonearm,
The AR ES-1 Turntable is one of those tables that makes my heart beat faster. It has looks that demand attention.
Cosmetically, this table is an 8.0 on a scale of 1-10. (I’m a hard rater.) The cherry veneer is in good to very good shape. There is one 1/2 scratch on the front rail, another the same size on the right rail, and there are a handful of small nicks. (See pics) The metal portion of the plinth has been sandblasted and powdercoated, so it is as new.
The table has been highly modified with the latest Vinyl Nirvana mods. It features a new terpolymer subchassis machined for the SME arm, co-polymer pulley, upgrade platter and drive platter shaft, and outer clamp ring. Rounding out (pun intended) the table is a brand new Bren1 record weight. The springs, grommets and studs have all been replaced/upgraded. (Please note I will only be manufacturing six terpolymer subchassis per year…for sale outright or used in restorations. This is the last of 2013)
There is no dustcover; custom dustcovers are available that fit the existing hinges and completely cover the turntable, even the platter system. Upgrade cover and descriptions of individual mods are here. This video also explains many of the mods.
The SME 3009 Series II Tonearm
The SME 3009 tonearms have become the holy grail for vintage turntable enthusiasts. The arms have consistently increased in value over the past 10 years. The Series II (non-Improved) is arguably considered the best of the 3009s. This was THE classic arm in the 70s and early 80s. Cosmetically, the arm is very good, with some small markings on the arm tube, some glue residue on the back side, and some finish wear on the bottom plate. It is 100% tested and functional. Original SME headshell included.
Overall, this is a stunning table with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $400 to $800 range with ease. I would be happy to mount any cartridge for the new owner for $30. If I install the cartridge, it makes set-up incredibly easy for set-up. I am a also dealer for Dynavector, Ortofon, and Grado. If you buy the cartridge from me, the installation fee is waived.
The Details
I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer Fedex Ground. 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.
