2. vintage
  3. 170608-167278

AR XB headshell/tonearm

I have a good condition AR XB that I am refurbing and am having trouble with the headshell.  The carts that I have either don't fit the headshell or fit poorly such that they aren't alignable.  Is there a reasonable replacement headshell or am I going to have to replace the whole tonearm?  I'd prefer to not drop the coin for a whole tonearm but on the other hand this is a back burner project so I'm not opposed to sitting on it till I put aside a little money for a tonearm if that's how it's gotta be.
thank you
metal_farmer

Showing 3 responses by cd318

cd318
2,636 posts
 
I’d stick with that headshell.

It’s a vital part of that turntable’s charm.

I picked up an AR turntable and when I eventually get around to setting it up I’ll do my utmost to use that original headshell.


Some say it’s a vastly underated design.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
@imhififan

Good to see the AR has not been completely forgotten.

That headshell might be well worth the trade in of slight extra weight for extra rigidity.

Either way, the original headshell is far from as bad as some like to claim.
cd318
2,636 posts
 

@imhififan 

 

@cd318,
AR turntables are highly collectible, I hope OP can keep it as original as possible during refurbishing and use that after market headshell or diy something similar to install his cartridges. 

 

I agree. 

They're well worth looking after.

I spent ages waiting for one in good condition to turn up.

I now feel obliged to make sure it stays that way.

It's not everyday that you get to play with a piece of Hi-Fi history.

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