"piece of junk . . ". Pretty strong words John. The AR-XA tonearm is

Posted by alaskahiatt (A) on August 7, 2022 at 23:05:29

In Reply to: RE: AR Turntable tonearm question posted by John Elison on August 5, 2022 at 16:42:45:

very inconvenient, but AR provided overhang adjustment with a poorly located screw. The instructions also showed how to install provided headshell spacers to adjust VTA with different cartridges of that period. The design of the plastic headshell is very light but strong and mated with the high compliance cartridges of that period. The offset counterweight was designed to provide a constant tracking force on slightly warped records. Again, sliding the counterweight to achieve proper tracking force is really inconvenient but very possible. If the vertical bearings are adjusted according to the manual instructions, and the horizontal bearing is kept lubricated, the arm will move easily for proper tracking. The manual also provides instructions for removing a safety pin in the arm to avoid improper vertical arm movement.

So the cost of the adjustable tonearm is very affordable but inconvenient. I admit that azimuth adjustment for poorly constructed cartridges is missing though.

To improve my AR horizontal bearing movement, I sanded he bearing rod with numerous grades of sandpaper and metal polish to achieve a very glossy, smooth, finish.

So, The functional design of the table was not simple, but the features were simple and inconvenient. If a tonearm can move freely vertically, horizontally, and be properly aligned, I don't think it is junk. Pain in the butt maybe, but it gets the job done well.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - AR Turntable tonearm question - George S. Roland 20:29:23 08/1/22 (15)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - John Elison 16:42:45 08/5/22 (2)

"piece of junk . . ". Pretty strong words John. The AR-XA tonearm is - alaskahiatt 08/7/2223:05:29 08/7/22 (1)

notable hallmark of progress - Story 03:34:12 08/8/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - 6bq5 10:23:47 08/5/22 (0)

that design goes way back... - Story 13:24:01 08/4/22 (0)

Edgar Villchur's advice on anti-skating - Lew 09:09:27 08/4/22 (1)

RE: Edgar Villchur's advice on anti-skating - JonM 09:18:14 08/5/22 (0)

always strive for the best possible arm - beach cruiser 23:09:42 08/2/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Bill Way 15:40:52 08/2/22 (1)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Tre' 16:25:05 08/2/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Basher52 09:04:10 08/2/22 (4)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - George S. Roland 14:57:37 08/2/22 (3)

AR Turntable tonearm question (cont.) - Basher52 08:00:17 08/3/22 (1)

addendum to the addendum - beach cruiser 15:27:31 08/3/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - hahax@verizon.net 21:37:40 08/2/22 (0)

Follow Ups

"piece of junk . . ". Pretty strong words John. The AR-XA tonearm is - alaskahiatt 08/7/2223:05:29 08/7/22 (1)

notable hallmark of progress - Story 03:34:12 08/8/22 (0)

"piece of junk . . ". Pretty strong words John. The AR-XA tonearm is

Post a Message!