Advice on Buying and Selling an AR Turntable

Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?

Is the spindle straight? Was the pulley cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?

Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?

Is the belt new or in near mint condition?

Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)

Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)

Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?

Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?

Was the tonearm bearing well inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminates? Was it relubed?

Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate?

Is the appropriate tonearm weight installed? (XB counterweights are lighter.)

Has the antiquated and frustrating cueing been disabled? (As AR aficionados recommend.)

Were electrical connections cleaned and inspected? Headshell leads? Tonearm recepticle? RCA plugs? (Dirty connections can contribute to hum problems.) Are all connections tight?

Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?

What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?

Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)

Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 33 and 45 rpm?

Was headshell inspected? Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle? Do the prongs interface properly with the tonearm? Is the attachment to the tonearm strong and true?

Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?

Have the cheap felt original feet been upgraded to rubber, which absorb vibrations more readily?

Is the AR insignia intact?