Gorgeous AR ES-1 w/Rega RB-301 Arm, Other Upgrades, $995 plus shipping
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 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 drive platter 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? See our testimonial page . What our customers have said about our sales and service is a true source of pride for us.
This Week’s Gorgeous AR ES-1
Cosmetically, this table is an 8.5 on a scale of 1-10. (I’m a hard rater.) The solid walnut sides and walnut veneer top are in very good to excellent condition with only minor signs of age/wear. It features very attractive grain patterns. The metal portion of the plinth is in very good condition. (See photo without platters). There is some slight circular wear on the top plate. There is a dustcover, in very good to excellent condition.
In terms of modifications, I have installed an upgraded Rega arm and a new copolymer pulley. In addition, I have upgraded the springs and studs. Finally, the feet were replaced and the felt mat is new. Note: The Bren weight is not included, but can be purchased for seventy-five dollars. Note: the previous owner installed new solid wood blocks on the underside for the feet and to reinforce the fiberwood corner blocks.
If you care to, we can modify the table in any way you wish. I’d love to have a discussion with you about furthering the upgrade path.
The Rega RB-301Tonearm
The lightly used Rega RB-301 tonearm is in excellent cosmetic condition with some minor wear at the headshell. (see pic) The Rega 300 series arm has always been hailed for its great audio value.
If you purchase this table, we can discuss other cartridge options as part of the sale. I have several recommendations. If I mount and align your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the piece of mind it’s been done right. I am a dealer for Ortofon, Grado, and Dynavector.
The Details
Price does not include shipping. This table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. 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.
Some comments from buyers below and here.
“Outstanding & dedicated craftsman. Helpful hints. Personal attention.”
“The best! A great communicator who goes above and beyond in the service dept.”
“If you want an excellent reconditioned vintage turntable, Dave’s the Man! Thanks”
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.