Skip to main content

Ariston RD-11S Turntable

Ariston has a very interesting history with Linn, which I will not get into. The basic design of the Ariston RD-11S is basically the same as an early Linn without the patent spindle bearing. It uses a more convention but, larger ball bearing or captive ball bearing. So, refurbishing this unit was fairly easy as I could source Linn LP-12 springs and grommets.

Some tweaks: Other than buying Linn LP-12 springs and rubber grommets. Replace the suspension screws with new 10-32 x 2.25" screws, wing nuts and washer. Keep the internal tooth washer to aid with retention. Talc'ing the belt as well as the rubber grommets and ends of the springs will help with adjusting (turning) the springs/suspension to tune the bounce. These inexpensive tweaks will make your life easier when you're setting up the suspension. 

For transit screws: #6 coarse thread screw will work. I am sure there are others but, very limited choices where I live.

This Ariston RD-11S was  equipped with a SME 3009 S2 Improved with removeable headshell tone arm but, and fortunately a Grace F9E cartridge.

This isn't my first foray into suspended belt drives. I've had many from various European, Japanese and American brands. Sadly, I never kept them, though I should have. Earlier in my "collecting" phase I was clearly in the Direct Drive camp. After getting the Ariston and setting it up, I soon realized I never really these suspended tables a chance. I think it was due to the fact a lot of them had finicky suspensions and none really used the SME style headshell. 

I think the entire package has sold me: the look, the new springs and a solid arm with SME headshell. Though, it was a headache to get the springs adjusted until I made those tweaks.

Overall, I like it. I think the Grace F9E cartridge is well deserve of praise and I think I will get a new stylus from Soundsmith. It was already in great shape when I got it. Sounds better than my usual favorites, the Shure V15s and I even like the Grace better than my current ATVM95SH. I think the arm is quite good, though cartridge choices are limited. I do think it is still a solid choice. I could add a heavier headshell which I have! But, it's a lovely sounding table as is. 

Side note: Getting a heavier counterweight, headshell and anti-skate can make the SME arm more flexible.

Honestly, this has changed my perspective on suspended belt drives! I want another one to play with!

Other minor things: I've added a finger lift (non OEM), new feet aluminum feet, new RCA plugs (old ones were gone and it was spliced with a ratty cable), oiled the motor and spindle bearings, adjusted the hinges and re-oiled the plinth. Looks fanastic! Runs smooth! I have other plans but, for now, I am extremely satisfied.

Specification via Vinylengine:
Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.03%
Rumble: -74dB weighted
Tonearm: available with either SME, Grace or blank armboard
Weight: 13kg
Base: Teak with plexiglass cover and friction hinges











Popular posts from this blog

Micro Seiki MR-622 Turntable

This is one of my greatest prize possessions, well for turntables.  The Micro Seiki MR-622 is a fabulous turntable, and definitely has been one of my favourite tables that I had the pleasure of owning. Everything about this turntable screams quality.  Even the 45rpm adapter seemed to be milled aluminum.  It has adjustable feet, a side pocket for accessories , a nice heavy die cast platter and even the top part of the plinth is cast.  All wrapped in a beautiful smoked dustcover and real wood sides. The Micro Seiki MR-622 is a fully manual, 2-speed, direct drive turntable.  This means, it's low maintenance and high reliability as there is less moving parts within the turntable.  It's just a huge motor, speed controls and Micro Seiki MA-202 tone arm, placed in a overly built plinth just like what one would expect from Micro Seiki. The MA-202 tone arm is a S-shaped tone arm with excellent tracking ability.  It has an adjustable counterweight and the...
Read more

Sanyo TP-1020 Turntable

That's right, I got myself a Sanyo! It's actually not a bad unit when you start stripping it down. I know, the overall black motif isn't awe-inspiring but, it is quite the performer. It's definitely better built than some other turntable I've come across. The motor, especially, is quite good. So, what can I say about this Sanyo? Well, it's definitely a CEC built table. Apparently, it as a twin called the Grundig PS-1020, tonearm looks different but, probably performs the same. It's your typical Japanese made direct drive turntable, 2-speed, pitch control and automatic return/reject (semi-automatic). It was a quite easy to work, everything was laid out nicely and everything was within reach to get too. Definitely better built than some of the Japanese turntables of the late 70s and into the 80s. I think one of the more common features with the Sanyo is the mirror at the base of the platter. It's an inspection mirror for the needle and I like it! I f...
Read more

ADS L690 Tower Speakers

Yep, tower speakers or rather they have their own "built in" speaker stands.  They are essentially the tower speakers of the ever popular ADS L570 bookshelf speakers.  They are a two way featuring an 8" woofer with rubber surrounds and 0.75" soft dome (sticky) tweeter.  All wrapped in real oak veneer cabinet.  They also had a metal grill which looks awful in the picture but a lot better in person.  Maybe it's time to get a better lens to take better pictures of "black grills!" I don't know the ADS and Braun connection but these are all Braun drivers.  Braun is a German company which still exist, for those who have Braun electric shavers.  However, these were built in the USA.  These are great drivers.  If you're not familiar with German made speakers or how they sound they're quite distinctive.  I've had heard several German speakers like Canton, Braun, Magnat, Isophon, RFT, etc. and they all have similar characteristics in their pr...
Read more