AR ES-1 table w/AQ tonearm


Hi all,
I just inherited an AR ES-1 turntable with an Audioquest tonearm installed from a buddy. First of all, is this a decent tonearm? Is there a better alternative for not a load of money? I currently run a Pro-Ject original Xpression. Is the AR better? And lastly, I need a new belt for the AR. Is there anyone that still carries parts for the AR?
Thanks
skipper320
I am not sure on the model. Where would I find the model number. It looks like it might be a PT-9
I HAVE THE pt-9 AND THE ARM IS VERY GOOD BUT COULD BENEFIT FROM BETTER INTERNAL TONE ARM WIRE.
I HAVE MINE MOUNTED ON A LENCO L-75 MODDED TABLE AND IT IS A VERY GOOD ARM FOR THE MONEY.
AQ ALSO MADE A LOWER PRICED PT-6 ARM.
NOT SURE WHERE THE MARKINGS WOULD BE MINE CAME WITH THE BOX AND TEMPLATE.

fOR YOUR STOCK AR TABLE THE AQ IS A GOOD ARM I DONT THINK BUYING AN EXPENSIVE ARM FOR THEAT TABLE WILL YEILD ALL THAT MUCH SONIC IMPROVEMENT WITHOUT MODDING THE TABLE ITSELF
What sort of mods are available for the table? Are they cost effective and worth the money on a table as old as this?
As already suggested go to the Vinyl Nirvana site. There is some great information on AR tables and mods for them. You might also want to research the mods done by Anthony Scilia. From my own research of AR mods when I had some interest in these tables it appeared to me the mods were well thought out and would definitely offer good bang for the buck versus buying a new table of comparable quality. Most of the mods can be done as DIY projects too.
Apachef1, How do you know the AQ PT-9 Arm would benefit from better Internals Wiring? Have you done this Mod? What's wrong with the AQ Litz Copper?

I never read of anyone, or as far as that goes, any one company offering any Service-Upgrades to a AQ Arm. Rega, yeah, but why not the AQ, if it is lacking wiring-wise?

As a side note, if I could re-wire the AQ, it would probably be with Van Den Hul Pure Silver.

I know some of the lesser Regas were said to have some junk internal wire, hence the Origin Live, and other Modders out there.

With that said, would Cardas Internal Wire actually be better if one installed it?

Many Moons ago, I can remember with the old VPI HW19 Tables, many said if the choice was between the RB-250/300 Rega, or they AQ PT, they'd take the AQ PT.

As far as I know, the AQ PT-6/7/8 were the exact same Arm, just different Tonearm Cable. The PT-9 is a slightly different animal, with a different Uni-Pivot, and different Grey Color.

AQ dropped the PT Arms, but they are Jelco (in Japan) Based, and others such as the Jelco SA-250ST, are in essence the exact same Arm. The Older Graham Robin was another Jelco clone.

You've asked if this is a good Arm? Yes, a very good, versatile Arm, that performs quite well IMO. Doubtful one will easily find such a good Arm for such little money. Mark
Thanks to all
I hooked up with Dave from vinylnirvana and he's got me on track with this table