Acoustic Research AR XA, XB replacement turntable belt

Price includes postage with tracking and insurance.

Suits XA, XB, etc. Ours are genuinely sized as stated. Look for the PRB packaging. They are made exclusively for us. Unlike the copy now being sold on eBay there is no talc required. Talc only serves to choke up the main bearing oil and change it to a grey grease.

These belts have been custom made for us by PRB to match the original belt supplied with the Acoustic Research turntables. The measurement was made against a mint unused AR original belt. They are thoroughly tested and work flawlessly at BOTH speeds. Money back guarantee if not completely happy.

They are genuinely sized at 24.4” x 0.135” x 0.03”. 

They are not to be confused with the 23.6” belt sold by many vendors for these vintage AR turntables. The 23.6” belt is about 2cm too short. 

Not convinced of the risk? If you are using one of the smaller belts, check the platter level of your turntable. Also, with the bottom off and looking from below. Is the belt pulling the platter toward the pulley, i.e. are the springs leaning toward the pulley? The problem with the short belt is that the belt pulls the platter towards the drive motor and is prone to come in contact with it when you use the 45 rpm speed. In fact, the belt is way too tight to play 45s and the motor struggles to even turn as the tension is too great.

In essence it can be so tight that it causes the platter to “tip”. Some people overcome this issue with the shorter belt by tightening the two rear suspension springs to prevent the platter hitting the deck and level the platter. Use a turntable bubble level to check. (We sell them too). However adjusting the springs is less than optimal because the correct isolation “bounce” is adversely affected. The springs in these turntables are softer than a Thorens or Linn, so correct length is much more critical.

We keep stock of these belts. they are custom made to our specifications by PRB.