Here it is... the Grand Daddy of the modern turntable. If you know, you know. If you don't, here are the details...

The AR XA first came out in 1961 until 1973 and is acclaimed as one of the most significant turntables of all time. It's key technologies were widely adopted by other companies and are still in use. They are full manual and the design is very simple but effective in reproducing recorded sound. If you want to more info there is a good write-up at Aural HiFi.

This example has been completely disassembled, cleaned, lubed, balanced and aligned. The top plate has been refinished with the original "rotten avocado" finish and the plinth veneered in walnut and finished with hand rubbed oil. The stock tonearm rest has been incorporated into a new base copied from the AR XB... much sturdier then the original XA design. The outer platter has had the rim polished to a mirror finish to top off a better then new looking example.

The motor has been replaced with a new Hurst motor and belt that spins at a perfect 33 or 45 RPM. The dampener has been rebuilt and recharged with silicone hydraulic to operate correctly and the spindle has been cleaned and lubed. The original headshell is fitted with a new AT VMN-95E cartridge aligned and balanced... tracks beautifully and dead quiet at 1.5 - 2 grams.

The original documents are included as well as the AR balancing kit and stock aluminum 45 adapter. A foam platter mat is included. Sorry... no dust cover with this one. The original was damaged beyond repair.

I've tried to date this as accurately as possible... my best guess is mid to late '60's. If you want to own a piece of audio history that is still relevant today, this is the turntable for you!

Specifications:

  • Belt Drive
  • Suspended aluminum platter - 2 parts - in oil bearing â€“ 3.9 lbs (1.8kg)
  • 12″ S-Shaped tonearm in oil bearing
  • AC synchronous motor 110-120 v 60 cycle* - new Hurst motor installed
  • Wow and Flutter, Speed Accuracy, Rumble see XA Technical Specifications
  • Plastic Headshell with brass inserts for cartridge screws - Tan, Black
  • Tonearm rest - Black plastic (stock) - new base installed
  • Base Finishes: Solid Oiled Walnut, Oiled Walnut Veneer, Vinyl Walnut-look Veneer
  • Metal Plinth Finishes: Smooth Grey, Textured Brown, Smooth Brown, Textured black
  • Overall size: 12.75 x 16.75 x 5.25 (with dustcover in place.)
  • Total Weight 13.5 lbs

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed20 hours ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • XA
Finish
  • Wood/Metal/Plastic
Categories
Year
  • 1967
Made In
  • United States

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Tony's Tunes

Richmond, MI, United States
Joined Reverb:2024

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