BSR Accuglide XR60 turntable

[Beobloke]

What? BSR on a hi-fi forum? Whatever next?!

Well, hold on a mo, there folks - this it a little bit different to your average Monarch autochanger. In fact, it is something of a rarity in the form of the BSR Accuglide XR60 turntable, which was only offered for sale to the US market. It is based on the technology that created the ADC Accutrac 4000 which is better known in the UK - this was followed by the US-only ADC Accutrac +6 and the XR60 is a badge-engineered version of this.

The deck is a belt drive unit with 6 record autochange, but it's so much more than that! Firstly, the autochange operates by a platform raising up from the centre of the turntable to 'collect' the record from the centre spindle, so it only drops half an inch or so, rather than the usual big flop down onto the platter. The platform then lowers and gently takes the record down to the platter. It will change up to 6 records and even lift them all back up to the top of the spindle after play.

The link with the Accutrac 4000 is then more obvious, as the XR60 uses a proprietary ADC cartridge containing an infra-red sensor that can 'read' the record and so you can program in up to 27 tracks over 6 LPs for it to play in any order - clever stuff, especially for the late 1970s! As mentioned, the stylus is unique to the deck but this one's is in good condition and they can still be bought from vinyl specialists in the USA.

Even better news is that this one has been fettled and is in great working order! It plays and selects tracks superbly and the autochange spindle works well. It has also been converted to 240V operation and so can be plugged straight into the mains. The only thing missing is the optional remote control handset - yes, that's right, it's also remote controllable! However, if you keep a close eye on the US eBay site, they do occasionally crop up there.

I'm asking £55 for this unusual beast and will box and ship it within the UK for £15. Go on, how can you resist?!

[DSJR]

Not for me this time Adam, but wondrous to watch working I remember - AND the cartridge on its own is worth nigh-on £50 in any case.

Sincere good luck to you. Can't you keep it for the novelty-milestone it undoubtedly was at the time?????

This device should be shown working at one of the enthusiast shows - t'would be a talking point for years to come I think Perhaps you could shoot a vid for Youtube or summat for posterity?????

[synsei]

What a remarkable gadget!!! If only I had the room for it...

[Alex_UK]

I marvelled at the Accutrac at Scalford - I'd love to give this a home but I fear I'd be looking for a new home myself if I did! I hope whoever takes it enjoys it and preserves it for the future.

[Beobloke]

Sincere good luck to you. Can't you keep it for the novelty-milestone it undoubtedly was at the time?????

Trouble is, I already have the Accutrac +6 that it is based on and that is definitely a keeper, so I really don't need the XR60 as well - or so I'm telling myself!

[Beobloke]

Come on, peeps, don't be shy, it's still here and looking for a good home!

And remember, if you're sacred of the 'SWMBO' reaction, remember, this is the ultimate technophobe's turntable - stick 6 LPs on, set it going and everything's automated - even size AND speed selection!

Tell you what, I'll even drop it to £50!