AR Turntable XB Model

[Alex2507]

BTW, arrange for a GTG near Boston, and I'll try to make it.

We would need to do it at Brett A's house and listen to his cables. He's probably gonna kick my @ss over at Audio Karma when I get around to asking for Pioneer SX-1010 help.

You should just come and visit your brother, jump on the Commuter Rail and visit RI. I'd see to it that you had your fill of NY System Hot Wieners ... on your way out of the state. You'll understand after you've eaten a few of them ... and you have to eat them here. They're illegal outside of the state ... I don't know why.

So how did they do it out in Oregano? Let's see ... they have a couple of heavy hitting although mostly quiet AHer's (nttawwt) ... and they brought in a shameless manufacturer schmoozer ... and they went outside of AH where God only knows what they do ... It was a conspiracy.

 

[Adam]

I'd see to it that you had your fill of NY System Hot Wieners ...

I have no doubt.

 

[TLS Guy]

Wow, I'm really glad to have a TT you consider worth while. Somewhere down the line I would like to replace the vinyl covered presswood with some African Mahogany but for now making it work will do. I bought mylar replacement caps for it yesterday. Is there some reason not to replace the cap by the motor?

Thanks for chiming in here.
-Alex

I must have got out of bed too early, I meant to tell you not to replace the cap over the switch, as that only stops the switch making RF interference. It is the motor starting cap you do need to replace. See if that makes the motor turn.

If not I can repair your turntable, or build you up one really nice one. I have one in excellent cosmetic condition. The other is strictly a parts turntable, but last time I checked it the motor worked. I think I have a number of unused belts for those turntables in my parts bin.

 

[Alex2507]

I must have got out of bed too early, I meant to tell you not to replace the cap over the switch, as that only stops the switch making RF interference. It is the motor starting cap you do need to replace. See if that makes the motor turn.

If not I can repair your turntable, or build you up one really nice one. I have one in excellent cosmetic condition. The other is strictly a parts turntable, but last time I checked it the motor worked. I think I have a number of unused belts for those turntables in my parts bin.

Gotcha. These are the caps ... I goofed off today so they or the start cap still isn't in.

See the little hole with the threads in between the tone arm post and the big hole?

Is that suppose to have a screw? My guess is yes. Probably a 12-24 ... ohhhh, wait a minute. Is that just to secure it during transport? I found a manual on line and didn't find anything right off the bat and didn't do half the stuff I should have today ... like I said, I have been goofing off.

Mark, it's awesome of you to offer to get me up and running like this. In case I failed to mention it or it got lost in this mess of a thread D) I can appreciate what a quality piece the AR XB Model is now that I have the other plastic model to compare it to. With my linear tracker I didn't get a feel for the equipment itself because you just close the lid and press a button. I may be coming down with a mild case of gear lust. I'm listening to a little !Plaza Del Toros! you ole matador. (Bull Fight Ring Music) It didn't play right on the linear tracker.

I'm saying an anti derailment prayer.

P.S. Yes, I see the Dorito Dust Bunny in the big hole. I'll take care of it. Stop laughing, lsiberian!

 

[Alex2507]

Is that just to secure it during transport?

Yep, that's what it's for ... to secure the turntable and tone arm suspension during transport.

 

[Alex2507]

She's Up and Runnin'

First I broke out my little girls make up box:

Then I rolled my love over on her side:

This is like when they pull the camera back in a porno and you get to see the set:

A close up of my joint: LOL !!!

Got 'er dressed in black and bound up:

... and that didn't fix it. I replaced the switch cap and cleaned up all the connections. The switch itself had 7 or so ohms due to oxidation I guess but chemical torture brought it down to ~ 1 ohm ... and that didn't fix it. Chemical torture (ECG RX3200 Electronics Wash and Radio Shack Control/Contact Cleaner& Lubricant and 3-in-1 Oil) in and on the motor shaft, center platter and tone arm shafts and wells got it working.

Once the switch is turned on, like Walter said, you have to help it get going ... a hand job if you will. When I sprayed chemical torture into the tone arm well the little ball bearing that lives in there came flying out and disappeared. It took a little doing to track it down.

Donny Osmond never sounded so good.

That was the test album. I played my recently acquired sealed Brothers in Arms LP. It wouldn't play right on my linear tracker but it sounds really good on this. This has to be one of those bias things going on because I know it can't really be as sweet as it seems. I've been listening to this album all over the country on various systems and in various formats (DVD-A stereo and multi channel here at home). My 2 channel set up for LP's is clearly the most inferior set up that I have heard it on but it's giving me the warm fuzzies.

I'm gonna PM TLS regarding belts and maybe a replacement motor. I feel like this thing ought to start on it's own but who am I to argue with success. I don't know what kind of cartridge Walter has in here ... all I know is that I'm really diggin' this.

Thanks Walter,
Alex

 

[walter duque]

Alex

I am glad you got it up and running. BTW nice pictures.

 

[Alex2507]

Update:

I just wanted to mention that TLS Guy/Dr. Mark Carter sent me a little care package consisting of a motor, start cap, power cord , belt, original 45 RPM insert and pulley for this turn table ... and he told me not to worry about the 10 dollars for the shipping.

I recently bought some talcum powder for the belt like the manual says. My g/f made fun saying that I didn't want my TT to get 'rashies'.

Everything about this TT has been a pleasure beyond just the enjoyment of playing records ... and I play records on it all the time. So Dr. Carter is my new BFF. That's not to say that I've forgotten about Walter.

 

[walter duque]

I do think you forgotten about me. Now there is only one way you're gona get this out of me (which is one of my price possesions)http://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Limited-Vinyl-Box-Set/dp/B0010KVGES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1275707154&sr=8-1You are gonna either come to my place or Rick's BBQ (I will supplies the T-Bones, Shrimp, Alaskan King Crabs (with knuckles as big as your fists) and the Ribs. Since you are so much into vinyl now I do think you deserve to own this album. I'll bring the Carver along. Deal or what??? I just need someone to appreciate this album, and I think you will.

 

[Alex2507]

I Netflixed that concert based on I think Geno's recommendation way back and was beyond impressed. Recently I borrowed the CD version of that recording from a friend but haven't given it the listening it deserves. I would love to get a chance to compare the LP to the CD ... I've at least got to borrow that thing.

What's your schedule like for the next week? When's your next day off?

 

[Alex2507]

So Dr. Carter is my new BFF.

I finally got around to swapping out Mark's motor, belt and pulley for mine. It's a good thing he sent the pulley that went with his motor. The shafts are different diameters. Mark's pulley is also shorter making me think his center platter must have been deeper. The way it sits now I would not be able to play 45 RPM records because the pulley height is too low for the center platter.

But ... I finally gave this the tune up it needed.

I also changed out the power cord because that was some repugnant dirty gray right outa the dumpster lookin' cord that came with both motors ... fUGly !!! ... but that's all in the past. I tinned the ends, and made hooks ...

Then the solder came. It's unnecessary but it's good practice.

Just to prove I did both sides ...

Now that one with solder ...

Here's Mark's motor in it's new home ...

I brought this TT back into Mantown because that's really where I listen to albums and this TT is the best one I got. Mark and Walter, thanks again.

 

[walter duque]

You do great work. It's good to see that table up and running.

 

[TLS Guy]

I finally got around to swapping out Mark's motor, belt and pulley for mine. It's a good thing he sent the pulley that went with his motor. The shafts are different diameters. Mark's pulley is also shorter making me think his center platter must have been deeper. The way it sits now I would not be able to play 45 RPM records because the pulley height is too low for the center platter.

But ... I finally gave this the tune up it needed.

I also changed out the power cord because that was some repugnant dirty gray right outa the dumpster lookin' cord that came with both motors ... fUGly !!! ... but that's all in the past. I tinned the ends, and made hooks ...

Then the solder came. It's unnecessary but it's good practice.

Just to prove I did both sides ...

Now that one with solder ...

Here's Mark's motor in it's new home ...

I brought this TT back into Mantown because that's really where I listen to albums and this TT is the best one I got. Mark and Walter, thanks again.

Good work. That really is strange about the pulley heights.

 

[Alex2507]

It's good to see that table up and running.

From here on in I'm gonna call this turntable Immortal Beloved like that Beethoven movie but for different reasons. Not only will it not die but I just increased the weight on the needle and I'm diggin it more than ever. Between TLS's motor and the talcum powder on the belt it fires up on it's own now. Even though it doesn't need the push start I think I'm gonna keep poppin' the clutch.

Good work. That really is strange about the pulley heights.

Here's a pic of the original motor. Your motor has the shaft exposed on the back. I also noted that your motor offers a little more resistance to being turned by hand and vibrates more at idle.

Due to the shaft being shorter I actually need the weight of an LP to sink the platter low enough for the belt to reliably stay on. For good measure I also throw the 45 adapter on top of the LP. Your belt is a little shorter and more elastic than the original which has some wear but is still nice to have as a back up. All in all I'd say this is a fine tune-up/learning experience and the addition of a little weight has even produced an audible difference for me to contemplate. However the shiny black power cord makes the fairies light right on the head shell. It's amazing.

 

[TLS Guy]

From here on in I'm gonna call this turntable Immortal Beloved like that Beethoven movie but for different reasons. Not only will it not die but I just increased the weight on the needle and I'm diggin it more than ever. Between TLS's motor and the talcum powder on the belt it fires up on it's own now. Even though it doesn't need the push start I think I'm gonna keep poppin' the clutch.



Here's a pic of the original motor. Your motor has the shaft exposed on the back. I also noted that your motor offers a little more resistance to being turned by hand and vibrates more at idle.

Due to the shaft being shorter I actually need the weight of an LP to sink the platter low enough for the belt to reliably stay on. For good measure I also throw the 45 adapter on top of the LP. Your belt is a little shorter and more elastic than the original which has some wear but is still nice to have as a back up. All in all I'd say this is a fine tune-up/learning experience and the addition of a little weight has even produced a audible difference for me to contemplate. However the shiny black power cord makes the fairies light right on the head shell. It's amazing.

I see the problem now. Our turntables must have been from different iterations.

Your motor must have lost magnetism. They are synchronous motors, from an era before the use of rare Earth metals which prevent loss of magnetism.

Keep your turntable away from magnetic fields, such as speakers, and also away from sources of heat.

It is good to see someone enjoying and restoring older gear.

If you ever visit here you will have a blast and you still have an open invitation.

In the meantime just keep looking for that 301 or 401 that the seller has no idea of the value! If you find that or a vintage Thorens, don't second guess for a split second!

 

[3db]

Very cool Alex. I finally got around to reading this thread and I must say i'm very impressed and happy for you too.

 

[Swerd]

Alex - I just caught up with this thread. Nice work.

I have an AR XA turntable that I bought in 1973. I still use it on the rare occasion when I listen to an old LP. It works fine. I'll remember your expertise if I ever need to repair it, but there is very little other than the motor that can fail on these.

If I ever knew the difference between the XA and XB model, I forgot. Do you know?

 

[Alex2507]

If I ever knew the difference between the XA and XB model, I forgot. Do you know?

I believe that the XA Model does not have the little do-hickey that raises and lowers the arm like the XB does.
The lever/toggle is on the front right behind the carbon fiber brush.

Here's a little close up of the mechanism under the tone arm. Excuse the dust bunnies.

Here's the mechanism underneath the plinth. I had to make an adjustment to that to make it work properly.
I'm sure it could use some fine tuning but it's not getting taken apart for some time if I have my way.

I found a manual for an XA which talks about setting up the tone arm length, weight and alignment of the cartridge.
Maybe that will be my next thing to love up. Here's the current cartridge.

 

[Swerd]

Thanks Alex. As much as I like to make fun of those who get all giddy over vinyl and TT, your TT photos still give me a thrill.

Ahh! High-end audio. I think in 1973 I paid $78 for the TT and another $20 for a Shure M91 cartridge. Those AR TTs were a genuine bargain.

Where did you find the dust bug? I had one years ago but I think my wife tossed it in the trash.

 

[Alex2507]

Where did you find the dust bug? I had one years ago but I think my wife tossed it in the trash.

And you let her keep living there? You must really love her.

I think TLS posted an eBay link. Every so often they show up. It's good for maintenance cleaning but that carbon fiber brush is better for a right here right now cleaning to get a heavy accumulation of dirt off quick.

This turntable actually makes me feel good. I like the story it now has and I like the people I've become acquainted with because of it and I like the music I have acquired to play on it although I did throw out a bunch of albums recently. If anybody likes Hawaiian music I don't even want to know.