2. vintage
  3. 154702-10094

AR XA Turntable cartridge

I haven't posted in quite a while as I sold most of my gear several years ago.

I saw a local ad for an AR turntable, and as I had one in my college days I was intrigued. Anyway, I ended up buying it, along with the box, paperwork, warranty, and tons of pieces - spacers, screws, overhang device, even the screwdriver with the red handle. The previous owner said he changed the cartridge every year while he was still using it. There was a Stanton 600EE mounted and I had a new Shure M97xE in a sealed box.

All this has rekindled my interest. I had stored some old equipment from long ago, so I'm using it with a Marantz Model 15 amp, Model 7(T) preamp, and Thiel 1.2 speakers (and although they don"t really impact the AR, a Marantz Model 20 tuner and a Sony C333ES round out the system).

I still have lots of lps in storage which I need to get out. But for now I picked up a handful of lps at second hand stores (cleaned them with my VPI 16.5 which I unearthed from storage). 

So,  I did clean out the bearing wells,  relubed and set overhang, tracking force and leveled as best as possible. I've been using the Stanton and I've got to say it sounds pretty good! But - and here's the reason for the post - I'm wondering if any one has cartridge suggestions. I know this comes up with some regularity (there was a question just a few months ago; but these things can certainly be equipment specific). Should I try the Shure, or is there something else that might be better?
Thanks for your consideration. 

frankm1

Showing 6 responses by frankm1

frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
I was fortunate to secure a Stanton 681EEE. I installed it today and the results are very pleasing. My expectations were realistic as I know we're not talking high end here, but for lack of a better way to put it, I am hearing a little more of most everything. 
Although not quite up to the standards of the relatively upper end turntable and cartridge I had previously, all things considered, an excellent bang for the buck!

frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
That is a really good way to describe it - fun and satisfying. I don’t feel a need to be quite so particular in how I use the system as previously but it provides a terrific listening medium. Especially considering I’ve owned a number of the pieces since college (many moons ago). As I understand it pics can’t be posted here in the forum. When I can I’ll post in the systems area and note this thread accordingly. 
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
Finally posted to the Virtual Systems area. 
Can be found by looking for 'frank's vintage system'.  
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
Thanks for your suggestion. I note that is an MC cartridge. Not sure that the phono section in my preamp would be able to handle the lower level output signal. 
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
Thanks!
I’ll try the Shure. Also will read up on the Grado. Any thoughts on a Stanton 681EEE?
frankm1 OP
58 posts
 
I've been having a lot of fun with the system - some of the items were new back from my college days! 
A little off topic but I did upgrade the speakers to Thiel 3.5's. Quite a transformation in the sound!
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