What to look for in stock AR XA table?


I have been looking for an inexpensive turntable to make a re-entry into analog playback. I have found a stock "reconditioned" AR XA turntable with a Grado Green cartridge locally. I have no recent experience at all with this, so are there some things I really need to watch for or specific questions to ask before purchasing? I will be able to play and view the unit before I spend anything on it. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Also is $125 in the right range for this table assuming the condition is as advertised? Are there others in that general price range that I ought to seek out?
stuartbmw3

Showing 2 responses by crem1

I know these tables and own one I intend to rebuild on AG (soon).

There are two parts that demand attention. They are the ball bearing and the small plastic circular plate inside of the lower bearing housing located in the "T" substructure . Should that white plastic piece be broken/worn or should the ball bearing have a flat spot , Don't buy the table. These parts can not be replaced. All the best.
The web site www.vinylnirvana.com is devoted to AR Tables and is a must view for anybody interested in AR's.

The site sells rehabed AR Tables and hard to locate parts . The site has an openly discussed relationship to George Merrill's and his groundbreaking AR T.T. mods ; Mr. Merrill has been associated for decades with significant improvements & secondary products made to vastly upgrade older AR's for the DIY crowd.

Vinyl Nirvana has lots of valuable AR information; a careful review of every page , every photo holds invaluable information on AR Tables. Should you consider the purchase an older AR Table, read with pleasure.