Ariston RD40
A belt-driven turntable with subchassis suspension and manual operation, originally priced at £388.
Overview
The Ariston RD40 is a belt-drive turntable made by Ariston, featuring an AC motor and a two-speed pulley system for 33 and 45 RPM playback. It uses a manual operation format and includes a subchassis design, which helps isolate the platter and tonearm from external vibrations. Originally priced at £388, likely during the mid-to-late 1980s based on available documentation, it was noted in Hi-Fi Choice for its stylish appearance and decent performance. Owners have described it as a "special guest" among their turntables, with one purchasing it for just ten dollars despite finding it covered in dust.
Specifications
| Drive type | Belt drive |
| Motor type | AC motor |
| Speed control | Two-size/speed pulley (33/45) |
| Operation | Manual |
| Subchassis | Yes |
| Tracking force range (for tonearm) | 1.5g |
| Original price | £388 |
Market
Used units of the Ariston RD40 have appeared for sale at prices such as $50 CAD and on platforms like Audiogon. One owner reported paying ten dollars for a dusty unit. Common issues include motor speed instability, where the motor slows down and speeds up after maintenance, despite belt replacement and re-oiling. Maintenance efforts have included thorough cleaning, new belts, and fresh bearing oil.
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Related Models
- Ariston Icon
- Ariston RD-11S
- Ariston RD80
- Ariston Pro deck
- Ariston Q-Deck
- Luxman PD-272 (1983)
- Garrard 2025tc (1968)
- Onkyo CP-1010 (1976)
- Pioneer PL-15R (1975)
- Pioneer PL-250 (1979)