RD-11s

by **CCC74** » 30 Jan 2011 09:48

Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum. I have been interested in getting an Ariston turntable for quite some time now.
I have an Eico ST-40 integrated amp and I would love to hook an Ariston up to it. I have found an RD-11s for sale that interests me. I am curious as to how this model compares to the RD-11.
Mostly I am wondering about possible upgrades and compatibility with lp-12 parts.
Also I know that pricing on vintage audio gear is very subjective, but I am wondering if $280 with no tone arm is in the ballpark for a table in pretty good shape.
Thanks

by **Blue Angel** » 30 Jan 2011 11:00

Dollars Canadian or US?

If US$, it's a bit expensive without arm.

Welcome to VE.

ba

by **CCC74** » 30 Jan 2011 17:40

Its in Canadian currency. However the Canadian dollar is exactly on par with the US dollar right now.

by **Alec124c41** » 31 Jan 2011 06:29

I understand the RD-11s is the better one. Try negotiating the price.
A Jelco arm would go well with it.

Cheers,
Alec

by **satanfriendly** » 03 Feb 2011 02:46

Probably a bit shy on the high side, but I have noticed their E-Bay values going up over in the UK. People like them and people will pay for them. They always tend to shift. Might have thought $230-240 would be a little more reasonable, but if in v.good condition may be worth considering.

The 's' version was about as good as Ariston's ever came and it is after all the grandaddy to the Linn LP12.

Will suit a multitude of arms as a good solid basis to build around. I use an RD110 with a Mission 774 and it really is a superb performer.

by **bubba45** » 03 Feb 2011 11:47

To echo others the RD11s is probably one of the top 4 Ariston TT's to really go for.
Linn springs will fit the Ariston TT's but really don't add anything at all to the sound or bounce on the early models unless you are adding a heavy arm.
Get a good arm and like Sf says you will have a stonking deck to build a system around or upgrade / tweak in future.

For some reason Rega arms in stock form don't work that well on Ariston's / Linns so IMHO I'd recommend:

1. Jelco arm - there's some very decent Jelco made LAD arms for comparatively little money on eBay right now. They are new old stock and sound great. I have 2.

2. Alternatively look out for a lightweight arm like the Mission 774 Original. They don't come up as often as the Jelco arms but they just sound fantastic and would be a good match.

3. You could also try for a 2nd hand Linn Basik LVX or LVX+ but the other 2 I mention would be better matches IMHO.

(I have no connection to the person selling the Jelco / LAD arms on eBay. Just a very satisfied customer.)

by **bena** » 03 Feb 2011 12:32

I think the difference between the 's' and the normal RD11 is the S has a DC power supply?

Can only echo what others have said about the top Ariston decks, I think the only deck above the RD11s was the RD90s, which I have and love, but you could argue that the RD11s would be easier to work on and get parts for since it is more closely related to the LP12.

HTH

Ben

by **CCC74** » 04 Feb 2011 05:36

Thanks for the advice. The seller has a RB250 mounted on it right now. I think he wants to much for the pair at $599.00. If I can ever get a hold of him I will see if he will sell it for less than the $280.00. If not I will just continue my search. I am in no big rush.

by **bubba45** » 04 Feb 2011 12:20

Thta's too much money IMO for the deck with an RB300. Good arms but there's better that would match that TT.
Let us know what he says.

by **satanfriendly** » 04 Feb 2011 15:04

Simple sums say that is a lot of cash for an 'okay' arm. The deck deserves better and better can be found for a damn sight less. As one member has said Rega's are not the best choice for said deck.

If you can get the deck alone it would be a good purchase and build from there.

As you can see there are a number of Ariston fans here. Good luck whichever way you go.

by **CCC74** » 05 Feb 2011 02:06

I spoke with the store on the phone today and have asked for more pictures as the one I have is small. Then I will see how much they will come down in price. I know they have had the table since September.

by **bena** » 05 Feb 2011 13:19

Sounds like you can afford to make them an offer you are happy with and if they have a little sense they will take it.
Never look tooooo keen! :wink:

Joking aside as others have said, there will be other decks, so don't feel you have to have this one.

by **starterwiz** » 05 Feb 2011 14:54

I just snagged one for $152 CDN in quite repectable shape. They don't come along every day. Very nice deck 'tho. My RD110 tweaked is nicer than my Linn.

by **youngdand** » 02 May 2011 16:06

I picked up opne last week for £250 However it came with a syrinx PU2 Nagaoka MP50, an Audio Technica AT30e and An Audio Technica AT32. In addition it came with a complete histrory of the deck and arm including reviews. The Owner was explaining that he bought this in preference to the LP12 but bought the Nirvana upgrade for the linn and upgraded this deck as soon as he purchased it. This shows as he has supplied me with the original brings brushes and washers all in mint condition.

Here are some pics: