Replacement Top Plate for AR ES-1 EB-101 XE Turntable
Best upgrade for vintage turntable owners seeking durability and a refined look.
Upgrade your AR ES-1, EB-101, or XE turntable with this premium after-market replacement top plate. Expertly crafted from durable, black anodized and brushed aluminum, it offers superior resistance to scratches compared to the original painted version. Precise machining ensures an accurate fit, accommodating original motor mount and stud thread sizes for a seamless installation. This professionally finished component not only restores functionality but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your turntable, providing a lasting solution for worn or damaged original plates. Installation is estimated to take 30-60 minutes.
$119.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
682
/ 1649
#682 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-91%
Below average
Material
Aluminum
/ Aluminum
Who it's for
- Collectors restoring the original look of vintage AR turntables
- Audiophiles needing precise alignment for suspended sub-chassis performance
- Vintage enthusiasts committed to preserving classic audio equipment
Who should skip it
- DIYers lacking the tools for minor custom fitment adjustments
- Novice users uncomfortable with complex mechanical disassembly
- Budget-conscious owners wary of high repair costs
Performance breakdown
Material Durability
Anodized aluminum finish significantly outperforms the original factory paint.
Installation Precision
Machined tolerances ensure a perfect drop-in fit for vintage chassis.
Aesthetic Restoration
Brushed texture provides a modern, high-end look for classic decks.
Ease of Assembly
Straightforward swap requires only basic tools and moderate patience.
Component Compatibility
Retains original mounting points for seamless integration with existing hardware.
Surface Resilience
Hard-wearing finish resists scratches and daily wear during record handling.
Key Specs
Material
Aluminum
Color
Black
Weight
17 oz
Dimensions
12 × 12 × 2 in
Compatibility
AR ES-1, EB-101, XE Turntables
Installation Time
30-60 minutes
Compatible Turntable Drive Types
Belt Drive, Direct Drive
Features
- Durable black anodized and brushed aluminum finish
- Superior scratch resistance
- Precise machining for accurate fitment
- Accommodates original motor mount threads
- Direct fit for specified AR models
- Professional aesthetic upgrade
- Restores turntable functionality
What customers say
Enthusiastic reviews highlight this replacement top plate as essential for restoring classic AR turntables. The primary focus is on exceptional quality and aesthetic precision. Users consistently praise the finish and machining, noting it often matches or surpasses original factory standards, greatly aiding high-end restorations. While most find installation straightforward, minor adjustments may occasionally be needed due to the age of the chassis. Despite a premium price, the consensus is that the value is justified. This component is seen as crucial for preserving iconic analog audio history, leading to high satisfaction among dedicated audiophiles.
Know before you buy
This replacement top plate is precision-engineered to fit the AR ES-1, EB-101, and XE turntable models.
Unlike the original painted plates, this version is crafted from black anodized and brushed aluminum. This material choice provides significantly better scratch resistance and a more durable, professional finish.
No modifications are required. The plate is machined to match the original motor mount and stud thread sizes, allowing for a direct, seamless installation.
You should plan for an installation time of approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The process is straightforward, but it is best to take your time to ensure all components are properly aligned.
This component is primarily an aesthetic and structural restoration piece. While it restores the integrity of your turntable's chassis, it is designed to maintain the original specifications and functionality of your unit.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$119