AR Turntable tonearm question

Posted by George S. Roland (A) on August 1, 2022 at 20:29:23

I have been reading about the AR XA turntable and The AR Turntable. I know that these days, almost all tonearms come with anti-skating capabilities, and that the original AR-XA tonearm lacked this feature. I read that Edgar Villchur said if one was worried about anti-skating one could simply increase the tracking pressure by a half a gram.

Most writers claim the AR-XA tonearm was not up to the standards of the turntable or that it was a sub-optimal design even for its time. None of these writers ever tell why they think it's a sub-optimal design or what it lacks besides anti-skating. Another writer claimed these criticisms of the AR-XA tonearm were unwarranted and that it is actually a "superb" tonearm design.

So, what say you about the AR-XA tonearm--good, bad, indifferent?

I had an AR-XA table a long time ago. I am looking to acquire another and would appreciate comments about the tonearm question. I am torn as to whether to buy an XA as an example of Villchur's superb design work, or go for The AR Turntable because of the supposedly better arm??

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Topic - AR Turntable tonearm question - George S. Roland 20:29:23 08/01/22 (15)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - John Elison 16:42:45 08/05/22 (2)

"piece of junk . . ". Pretty strong words John. The AR-XA tonearm is - alaskahiatt 23:05:29 08/07/22 (1)

notable hallmark of progress - Story 03:34:12 08/08/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - 6bq5 10:23:47 08/05/22 (0)

that design goes way back... - Story 13:24:01 08/04/22 (0)

Edgar Villchur's advice on anti-skating - Lew 09:09:27 08/04/22 (1)

RE: Edgar Villchur's advice on anti-skating - JonM 09:18:14 08/05/22 (0)

always strive for the best possible arm - beach cruiser 23:09:42 08/02/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Bill Way 15:40:52 08/02/22 (1)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Tre' 16:25:05 08/02/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - Basher52 09:04:10 08/02/22 (4)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - George S. Roland 14:57:37 08/02/22 (3)

AR Turntable tonearm question (cont.) - Basher52 08:00:17 08/03/22 (1)

addendum to the addendum - beach cruiser 15:27:31 08/03/22 (0)

RE: AR Turntable tonearm question - hahax@verizon.net 21:37:40 08/02/22 (0)

AR Turntable tonearm question

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