Acoustic Research EB101 

The Acoustic Research EB101 is a belt-drive turntable introduced in 1984 as AR's budget model, yet it offers features and performance that punch well above its price class.

Technical Overview

Drive and Motor:

• Belt drive system powered by a 12-pole synchronous motor.

• The motor runs at 500 rpm (50 Hz) or 600 rpm (60 Hz) to achieve the standard 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds by manual belt repositioning.

Speeds:

• Supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds.

• Wow and flutter is rated at 0.05% (DIN 45507), indicating good speed stability.

• Rumble is rated at -72 dB (DIN 45539B), reflecting low background noise.

Platter and Suspension:

• The platter weighs approximately 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs).

• The arm and platter are mounted on a fully isolated sub-chassis formed by a pressed steel T-bar.

• This sub-chassis is suspended on springs and damped at three points, providing excellent isolation from external vibrations.

• The suspension design makes the EB101 inherently immune to external vibrations, improving sound clarity regardless of placement, though best results come from placing it on a rigid, non-resonant surface.

Tonearm:

• The EB101 comes with a fitted tonearm designed by AR for optimal performance.

• Tonearm effective length is 229 mm with an overhang of 16 mm.

• Features low friction (<30 mg horizontal or vertical) and an effective mass of 12 grams.

• Cartridge weight range supported is 3 to 9 grams.

• Tracking force range is 0.5 to 3 grams.

• Headshell is either fixed or plug-in aluminum die-casting.

• The tonearm is designed for minimal resonance and precise tracking.

Construction and Dimensions:

• The plinth is vinyl-covered particle board with a walnut finish.

• Dimensions are approximately 442 x 375 x 180 mm (W x D x H).

• Weight is about 6 kg (13 lb 5 oz).

• Power consumption is 9 watts.

Performance and Sound:

• The EB101 is praised for clear, tuneful, and enjoyable music reproduction with a finely focused and natural sound.

• It delivers clarity in bass and good dynamic range.

• Reviews highlight its solid build quality, ease of use, and upgrade potential.

• The turntable is considered a strong value for money and a great entry-level high-fidelity product.

Additional Notes:

• The EB101 is fully manual, with speed changes done by moving the belt.

• It includes a non-resonant acrylic dust cover.

• The turntable has a reputation for durability and longevity, often compared favorably to more expensive models.

• Users have successfully upgraded the tonearm and cartridge for improved performance.

• Some restoration and modification enthusiasts enhance the suspension and isolation further to optimize sound quality.