Acoustic Research The AR Turntable Belt-Drive Turntable (1984)

The AR-XA is one of the most important turntables ever designed and manufactured. It's a precision instrument capable of providing accurate reproduction of recorded music.

Equipped with the superb Linn Basik LV V tonearm, it takes the performance up a couple of notches. The plinth has been painted black, which offsets the wood nicely. The lid is in fantastic condition, no cracks and still clear. Recently serviced and setup, including a new belt. Plays 33 and 45 perfectly.

Edgar Villchur, who himself stated he knew little to nothing about sonic characteristics designed this turntable from the perspective of minimizing wow, flutter, and resonance. His design changed everything about turntables from the moment it was produced and offered to the masses.

As simplistic as the AR-XA was and is, it continues to outperform myriad turntables costing much, much more.

Specifications:

Drive system: one step belt drive

Motor: 24 pole synchronous motor

Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm

Platter: 1.8kg

Suspension: damped 3-point sprung suspension

Wow and flutter: 0.04%

Rumble: -73dB

Review The impression was given of an airy, articulate sound, with good timing and rhythm , plus pleasing rendition of space and ambience. The bass quality was well above average, if a little lightweight, while the mid was clear and well balanced, with the treble in good proportion