AT... Seriously?

[rfgumby]

I like these AT tonearms, but I've gotten rid of a few of these exact broadcast arms in the past.  I know someone here is running one (Andy, Ken?... I can't remember tonight as I'm getting tired), and they should sound awesome and be able to run just about any cartridge.  The lack of cuing drove me crazy.

But this kind of money?  Seriously?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-AT1503-3A-Tone-Arm-AT1503-3A-/370382697962?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c8775ea

[Andy]

Not me mate, I have a pair of AT1005s (one of which is the very rare Mk1 ). I've never seen one in the flesh but knowing Audio Technica, they didn't mess about when it came to broadcast stuff. I reckon it'd be great.

The price? An utter joke. I've passed these up on eBay because they broke the £200 barrier .

Andy.....

[ken13]

Hi Scott,
 Not me .

[jaspert]

Too rich for me and I'm still kicking myself for letting a nice one slipped through my fingers on the local eBay for $400.

[Kent T]

I actually use an Audio-Technica arm on my work related turntable, not this model though. I am running an ATP-12T tonearm on my Technics SP-25. I have a Lenco on it's way from Canada which needs some work. I plan on making it into a super table when finished.

[rfgumby]

I actually use an Audio-Technica arm on my work related turntable, not this model though. I am running an ATP-12T tonearm on my Technics SP-25. I have a Lenco on it's way from Canada which needs some work. I plan on making it into a super table when finished.

Good luck Kent!   Please keep us posted about your progress, and be sure to snap some pics along the way.   

[Kent T]

And I can also answer questions related to broadcast use turntables used in the USA and Canada. Same goes for tonearms used in the same applications and cartridges. I have over 34 years of broadcast engineering experience. And I have always felt like the typical plinth arrangements held back their performance. You folks are proving it every day here.

[rfgumby]

And I have always felt like the typical plinth arrangements held back their performance. You folks are proving it every day here.

Agreed.  Even the purpose built later large versions with the "isolated" tops left a lot to be desired.  You know, the fake wood laminated ones the size of end tables- for SP-10's and SP-15's, etc.

[autobayer]

Hi Scott.
You´re right - a lot of my serious audio friends use the ATP12T or 16, rewired and love it. It does everything you can imagine with almost every cart except soft MM´s. They are beautiful to look at, simple, elegant and rewarding. You can always install a third party lift, if you want. But the arm you linked us too is a Hifi version of the others and worth like 400 USD. Some people simply go crazy because it´s "vintage". Someone offered a couple of NOS Grace arms - metall 704 for 5800 USD and wooden 714 for 5200.- Just ignore it. Just as I am writing this he reduced them both to €3800.- 
And really - go for the ATP12T or it´s longer brother. You can get one for € 359 like here:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Audio-Technica-ATP-12T-Tonearm-with-Phono-Cable-/220641864665?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Plattenspieler&hash=item335f47abd9

And for the long one they go for around € 700.-

NO MORE!

Cheers
Chris

I like these AT tonearms, but I've gotten rid of a few of these exact broadcast arms in the past.  I know someone here is running one (Andy, Ken?... I can't remember tonight as I'm getting tired), and they should sound awesome and be able to run just about any cartridge.  The lack of cuing drove me crazy.

But this kind of money?  Seriously?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-AT1503-3A-Tone-Arm-AT1503-3A-/370382697962?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c8775ea

[wmax]

I like these AT tonearms, but I've gotten rid of a few of these exact broadcast arms in the past.  I know someone here is running one (Andy, Ken?... I can't remember tonight as I'm getting tired), and they should sound awesome and be able to run just about any cartridge.  The lack of cuing drove me crazy.

But this kind of money?  Seriously?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Technica-AT1503-3A-Tone-Arm-AT1503-3A-/370382697962?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563c8775ea

Does anybody know what the differences between this current model of the 1503 (which only seems to be available in japan, listed for 189000yen on their japanase website) and the vintage models are? They sure look identical to me...
But for this price I, too, would go for a used one.

For what its worth, I had good experiences in the past whith this particular seller: bought a cart and later a headshell from them, no hassle and fast shipping.

[autobayer]

Hi Dirk.
The measurements are identical. As far as I know - materials aside - it is only the counterweight - black with the 1003 and silvery with the ATP 12 / 16 T.
I really recommend rewiring for these beauties.
Good luck!
Chris

Does anybody know what the differences between this current model of the 1503 (which only seems to be available in japan, listed for 189000yen on their japanase website) and the vintage models are? They sure look identical to me...
But for this price I, too, would go for a used one.

For what its worth, I had good experiences in the past whith this particular seller: bought a cart and later a headshell from them, no hassle and fast shipping.

[Kent T]

Anybody have a spare factory headshell for the ATP-12T tonearm? My example is missing one. I am using a SME one right now with my Stanton 681A. PM me if you have one you can spare.

[krenzler]

Here's a clean looking ATP-12T at what seems like a reasonable price:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320579783140&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Kent T]

I found out I actually own an ATP-16T tonearm. I think they're very excellent tonearms and durable and reliable. Many radio stations in my area liked them and most were used with Technics SP-10, SP-15, and SP-25 turntables. Underrated arms in my opinion and well worth owning.