What to do with my fruitbox

[karatestu]

Chuck it in a skip? Yes, I am one of the few to own up to currently owning one of these on here

I bought it in 1999 for £200 with Lingo1 from a farmer mate who had abandoned it when he got into deejaying with two technics decks. Don't tell the wife he said - spent it down the boozer.

It's a 1989 model in black Ash (boring) with pre cirkus bearing and original AC motor. I bought a Naim Aro for it and later a 2nd hand Rubikon sub chassis made by those fine fellows at Audioflat. Never fitted it though as been too busy arsing about with other stuff. I also picked up a second hand Avondale Audio Taps2 psu. All bought before I found thus fine forum in 2017. Cartridge is a Lyra Argo (cost an arm and a leg).

But the purchase I am most proud of is a set of Anologue Innovation "in sole" elastomer spring replacements from Alfi Not fitted them yet either

So I have Rubikon, spring replacements and Avondale psu to sort out. I don't plan to spend anymore on it apart from maybe getting Alfi to move the motor position from 10.30 to 7.30 . Yeah it will be a bit of a triggers broom fruibox but hopefully I will have removed most of the bad points . Hope I like it

[CN211276]

I recall a similar thread to this some time ago and RD's response made referencevto the 5th of November.

[karatestu]

Yes I remember that, I think I started it.

[terrybooth]

I sold mine. High maintenance I thought - you (or rather a dealer) could make it sound OK but it went out of tune within months. If you are doing it yourself however, it would be a different story.

[karatestu]

Yeah, doing it myself Terry. The "in sole" elastomer spring replacements in a nut shell remove all the "going out of tune" business. Apparently they make the fruit boxes sound more like a Rega be that good or bad. Why not just buy a Rega ? That's too easy

[Latteman]

Get it sorted and see where it takes you. Second hand hifi prices are high at the moment and with the increase in record sales it could be a good time to move it on.
I’ve always had belt drive, even built my own but the Lenco I have just so much more satisfying

[Lindsayt]

Sell all the bits. Apart from the cartridge.

Buy a Lenco or a classic direct drive with the money. Plus a holiday with the proceeds.

It's a win win win solution. You'll get better sound from your vinyl. Plus you'll have had a holiday. And some Linn besotted people will be delighted with their purchases.

[savvypaul]

Yep, as Lindsay says.

I'd be tempted to keep the arm, though.

[karatestu]

Yeah, the cartridge and arm are probably worth keeping (maybe). The aro go for ridiculous money now they are out of production for a few years. I know I would be getting very different advice on PFM or AF

What decks will the Aro fit on ?

[Classicrock]

Do all the mods and then put up for sale. Would only consider keeping the arm if you have a suitable deck to get the best from it. Would probably be cautious about the spring removal if selling as Linn fanboys prefer the bouncy temperamental suspension. They tell me current decks don't need regular adjustment, so new Linn springs might be the thing to do. You will get enough money to buy something superior and take a holiday (when allowed). Used arms appear to be £2K . Probably would ask around £4K for the whole deck if in nice cosmetic shape.