Retro Review #9 - Ariston RD80 - The forgotten Audio Bargain

The Ariston RD 80, very close in performance to a Sondek, but much cheaper to buy secondhand now - We have a closer look at one of our favourite 80s Turntables

[@stevenhunter3454]

I’ve got an Ariston RD11 superieur I’ve had since mid 80s , love and treasure it , it cam with a clamp too , great to see a video about another Ariston, love your channel / content/ attitude - thanks . 🙏🏻

[@Shr-ch8yb]

Really enjoyed your review of the RD80. I have owned one since 1985, I bought it when I was a student via a friends shop discount. He had a Rega 3. I remember his setup sounding better so was always under the impression that the Rega was far superior. However, recently I decided to upgrade my system and I finally bought a Planar 3 on ebay. There are very few reviews of the RD80 and no comparison on the internet that I had found. When I compared the two I found that the RD80 sounded noticeably better. So slightly disappointed I looked again and I found a LP12 with a basik plus arm, and bought that as well. So now I had all three. My setup is a Yaqin MC-100B valve amp, Kef 105.1(new caps), Pro-Ject Phono Box S and four different cartridges M110, AT95E, AT120E and Goldring E3. Tested a number of 180g LPs mostly 80s, SRV, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Nicks, Pink Floyd etc I spent a considerable amount of time setting up the turntables with the help of a number of youtube tutorials (including yours), arm and cartridge setup, levelling and suspension balancing etc. I found that although the cartridges made a difference the LP12 sounded the best closely followed by the RD80 and then the Planar 3. Not going to describe the sound as I am not an expert, just that I could hear the difference. Also did a blind test with the help of my son and wife and they were off the same opinion too. I have now sold the Planar 3 and will keep the LP12 and the RD80. Look forward to watching more of your videos

[@Anthony-gq7dk]

The Ittock was the key to the LP12 's sound. The ones made in Japan were bulletproof and gave no trouble. When assembly was changed to Glasgow , the reliability dropped. The magic was in the arm.

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

The RD80 was my first 'proper' turntable, paired with a Mission 774 arm and a cartridge I can't remember. I scrimpled and saved, and finally upgraded to a Pink Triangle, a Zeta arm and a Koetsu Black. Wondrous.

[@larryonoff6529]

I have an Ariston RD 80 with the base ADC ALT-1 arm. I acquired it in the '80s and am still using it to this day. The only maintenance done is a belt replacement and an upgraded cartridge to a Denon DL-103. It sounds as good now as it did then. As I am now 40 years older, the only issue I have with it is that it's fully manual so I only use it for serious listening. I use a Kenwood KD2055 with a Shure V15 IV for background listening as it has auto-lift. I've also followed groups where discussion goes that the Linn Sondek is an "appropriated" design "borrowed" from the Ariston. Few still know the very intriguing history that the Ariston RD-11 was in fact the predecessor to the world famous and enduring Linn LP12 Sondek turntable, and that the Linn was based upon this prior Ariston design. Both turntables were machined in the same Castle Engineering factory in Scotland, with the Ariston preceding the Linn by three years. When a new company and a new turntable design debuted, and that looked - interior part for part - like an exact replica of the Ariston RD-11 turntable with a few cosmetic changes. That new company was Linn, and the turntable was the Linn Sondek LP12. Parts were even interchangeable between the RD-11 and LP12. In those early years for Linn, the Sondek LP12 was not only essentially identical to the Ariston RD-11, it was at first even marketed that way. In Vol. 6, issue No. 2 of the February 1973 Hi-Fi News & Record Review, Linn announced the release of their new LP12 turntable with the following text: "The turntable previously available under the name Ariston RD11 is now available under the name Linn LP12”.

[@davidsturch9905]

I bought my RD80 SL in 1980. I think the SL was made for the North American market. Mine came ADC Alt-1. I ran a Ortofon MC-10 on it. It now has a ADC LM-2 on it. My son using it now. He loves it. The LM-2 is another treasure tracks nice easy to set up and the price was right. I could never tell the difference between removable and fixed head shells. I had good high end cables going into the arm. Running Shure M97xe on it now.

[@MC-bu6ez]

My first TT, very lovely deck to use solid construction.

[@msgillingham]

I own and cherish an Ariston Rd11s fitted with a very rare Infinity black widow tonearm, I would never sel it, great video keep them coming.

[@billstokoe]

Great review . I bought an ex demo RD80 SL version with Linn Basik LV V arm with Grado cartridge from a hifi shop in Sunderland around 1983 and I still have it almost 40 years later !! Will never sell it ! It was £300 at the time which I had to borrow from my dad as I was only 18 and a very poor trainee chef at the time and I didn't have the cash😃. My dad thought I was mad spending that amount on something to play records on 😂. I used my RD 80 with a musical fidelity A1 amp and a pair of Linn Kanns for many years and this was an excellent set up. I've just ordered a pair of Kef Slx's this week which I am picking up this weekend so am really looking forward to seeing how these perform with the RD80. awesome turntable and imho definitely gave the Linn Sondek a run for its money back in the day.

[@paulpavlou9294]

My daughter purchased a Ariston Q Deck a couple of years ago as a first turntable which is fitted with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge and it sounds great. She is so happy with it, it’s a keeper. We are a four turntable family with Goldring Lenco GL75 with Syrix PU 3 arm and Nakamichi 1000 reference pick-up modded, Denon DP55K with Grace 707 arm and clear audio cart and a Dual 1225 Shure type 3 cart. Just love the music these tables make and joy it brings.

[@anthonytaylor8465]

I too started off with a dual CS505-2 and then went to an RD80. A world of a difference. Though i have the one with the light which is boxed up somewhere and the one I'm currently using is has the black switch and has the SL Next to the Ariston badge. And both have the screwed spindle. And you know what, i never noticed the concave platter on either. Ill have to dig it out. The RD80 is a very underated. turntable. Mine has an Audio Trchnica AT-1120 arm which ive had after my Linn Lvv Arm and on it is currently and AT33-PTGii. Though my turntable was never able to bounce like that. Even getting it supposedly setup by a dealer. Cheers...

[@robmills537]

Hi Philip very good video I love these trips down memory lane.

[@davidryan6441]

Bought My Ariston RD80 From Lasky's in Tottenham Court RD October 1982. With The Linn LVV basik Arm For £229.99.. Still Got it.. Still Works Well and providing you replace the belt on a regular basis and keep the main baring lubed They just trundle on. Recently put in a Ortofon Blue and it just sounds great..... The Only issue is the dust cover has cracks around the back.....Great Overview By The Way.

[@williambrown7484]

Same mat and central metal disc as the RD40 and also the same screw down ‘puck’. Still happy with mine ( RD40 ) although keep thinking about changing the arm. Replaced the drive belt a few times over the years.

[@paulbarnard5267]

Very interesting. I started with a 505 and went to the RD80. It was my pride and joy but eventually got replaced with CD due to my inherent inability to keep vinyl scratch free. My daughter is now walking the analogue audio path and has had to endure my constant glowing reminiscing about the Ariston. I’ll point her at your video so she knows it’s not just me who thought the RD80 was a great deck

[@dougieroberts7045]

Let's face it, it was mostly due to hifi magazines and dealers that tended to promote the Sondek, definitely better turntables out there at the time, the planar by any standards would always take some beating, regardless of price, properly set up a planar 3 was a force to be reckoned with. I remember listening to a Pink Triangle and Logid DM101 and the dealer at the time was pushing the Linn constantly and in my opinion it wasn't in the same class as the Triangle and Logic, there was also another called the Royce Spectrum which sounded excellent and of course the mighty 'Rock', models from systemdeck were excellent and a company called Mitchell, which I never actually listened to but always wanted to.

[@attrktmarketing4582]

I have the RD80 SL and I absolutely love it. Linn Basik Plus arm with an AT110e cartridge. I love the whole experience of listening. It works perfectly.

[@Dee.J.Mogfry]

Buying a 505-3 in mint condition today with ortofon cart for £60 today...result! Great video.

[@terryneilbooth]

Never owned personally one but I do remember it being quite an appealing composition against the competition. Great that Rega have come full circle and are still competitive leaders in the current market. Great Retro 👍

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

Got a RD40 in 84. Loved it. It had the screw down clamp {no spirit level} and a LVX. Had numerous Audio Technicas on it as well as a Glanz GMC10EX. Upgraded it with the DC power supply and then tried out a pre Nirvana/Valhalla LP12. Blew the RD40 out of the water in Dynamics and sound floor. Ohh well. Still only seriously listen to vinyl {Stream also} with a Sota Nova/SME M2/9 arm plus a few MC cartridges but my go to musically is a Stanton 881S with a original Stereohedron stylus.

[@saudade369]

I’ve got the Rd 80 ls with the Linn lvv arm with an Ortophon vms30 mk2 and it is a wonderful turntable that is always stable .i had a project perspective ,supposedly Atheir first proper “ high end” table but they don’t compare really .theres something quietly unassumingly good about the Ariston whereas the project seems light and rattle in comparison .ive had several turntables sucjphna sThorens160: and , 150 but the Ariston is one I just keep there .i like the small round tonearm plate that is suspended without the way the Thorens and line bounce when I might rest a wrist on it when lifting the tonearm . A small thing but nice and it just looks subtly “ right” .i also now use a Townshend Elite Rock 2 which I love as well and out of a hankering over the years for one I have just picked up a Michel Focus with SME Series 3 out of curiosity for the engineering / sound quality if set up well with good isolation. Lime many I seem t9 have a small obsession with turntables . I’ve seen a few rd11s and s versions that look beautif7l and sound the same and one day ………? But the rd80 is just a lovely turntable no superfluous gadgets or styling but just tasteful and cool.

[@slowpawstevet3676]

i had an RD80 for 20 odd years, amazing deck though if i remember you had to move the belt to change speed. Had Rega Planar and Roxan Xerxes both unreliable. Playing an LP12 today, never had any problems at all though made upgrades.

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

I wish you had demonstrated it.

[@mikekoernich7372]

I also had a RD80 with the Linn LVV but I mounted a k9 cartridge in it and it sounded so good. It looked after my records which still sound like new after 40 years.

[@steveaustin7306]

My SL just turned 40. I made an aluminum sub chasis that really brought it to life. Upgraded the ADC to a Linn and now has qn Origin Live Silver 2. Keep tweeking it. Didn't have a threaded spindle.

[@highfell1]

Great review. Another forgotten turntable of the Sondek type was the Manticore Mantra, which is superb ( I have one )

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes, loved the Manticore :-)

[@timleelim9930]

I am not certain if I heard this particular model all those years ago, but it was an Ariston (not the Italian washing machine) with a Hadcock tonearm and it sounded really good.

[@StokeBass]

I remember seeing these in the Hi-Fi magazines, but never owned one. Audio better from the behind the camera today :)

[@garethvaughan426]

Fab review, yes I bought the RD80SL after a side by side comparison with a Sondek1980 ish, Cleartone in Bolton, the salesman was the chap who owned the shop, I remember him saying how the Linn gets you foot tapping lol, I just thought the Ariston sounded great, so I bought it, only sold it about 5 year's ago, it never let me down once.

[@rayreid6123]

bought rd80 in late 70s living in nz and only turntable ive owned. Great to see a review although mine appears to be a bit different. Still got everything that came with it spanner etc. That was handy as replaced needle. Marvellous review.

[@davidthom7127]

I had an RD80 back in the 80's, but sadly I didn't appreciate what I had at the time and sold it when I had to divorce and was forced to down-size. I managed to keep my 3020 and Tannoy speakers but the system magic was never the same. (

[@RichardWilliams-uz7vo]

Enjoyed the review, many thanks. I have an RD80SL with a Linn LV V and K5 cartridge which I bought for £25 at a time when nobody wanted turntables and the last rites were being read on vinyl. Still have it but it's in dire need of being set up properly. You say it's not straightforward . . . how difficult is it? I should add I've never done a suspension tweak.

[@StylusDrop]

I remember lusting after a RD80 in the early 80's but could not afford one and then when I eventually had the money I bought another Scottish turntable, a Linn Axis, instead. On a side note it's funny how higher end Japanese direct drive decks were almost totally ignored in the UK. I suppose they were victims of the Linn Cult.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

I remember lusting over an Ariston Q deck at Richer Sounds to replace my old Hitachi stack tt

[@DJWerkz]

Ariston Q deck was also a great performing deck for the money too

[@DavidRyan-li6fg]

I Bought My RD80 in 1981 With The Linn LVV Arm... I set it up once and that has been it, Apart from the odd drop of Oil in the Spindle hole and obviously belt changes, It has performed so well that i have never considered changing it. Likewise the dust cover has seen better days but overall the RD 80 Still Delivers. Ps. It Did Come With a Screw On Clamp.

[@ronlysons6750]

If I remember correctly, the Ariston RD11 was the competitor to the Linn Sondek.in the early seventies. I think the Ariston was about £80 and the Linn about £90. Both made in Scotland by the same company.

[@keithb6717]

No, not the same company. The two engineers that designed the bearing on the Linn became Fons and Ariston (different companies) respectively. Linn actually sued them for using the bearing design. Linn won. Fons and Ariston operated out of the same building with the same phone number, later merging into Ariston. Early Fons and Ariston had bearings made in the same machine shop as Linn, made to an even tighter tolerance.

[@christopherfox735]

I remember seeing an RD80 at Lasky’s in York but I’d just got the Dual CD505-2. I do remember the reviews for the Logic DM101. So many turntables in the late 70’s and 80’s.

[@cheshireaudio]

The Logic was really good

[@shb8124]

Wasn't the Ariston factory near Prestwick which is local to me? I remember getting an Ariston Q Deck directly from them (with prior agreement of course) in the late 80s or early 90s when I was getting into my first proper hi-fi. Later I got a Systemdek IIX/900 directly from the Factory in my home town in Irvine as did my dad lol.

[@gargunza4141]

I owned an RD11 in the 80s and foolishly sold it to buy a cd player. One of my favourite turntables that I owned the 70s, was the AR XA, a very simple design with no bias correction. I traded it in at Snakey Jake's in Crewe for a guitar.

[@cheshireaudio]

Snakey Jake!! He was just a few doors down from me :-)

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

I bought a used RD80 with an SME 3 tone arm, probably one of my best Hi-Fi bargains that don’t seem to be around anymore. I think I paid £120 and it had a goldring cartridge.

[@steveaustin7306]

Double entry time. Finally found an RD11s. Moved tone arm over. Time to make subchasis....

[@billynotat]

Still got my RD80SL had a clamp but no spirit level just plain alloy, but unused at the moment

[@howcropcirclesrmade]

My RD80 SL is still good after 40 years of use. The problem is how to improve on it knowing that the bearing must by now be quite worn. For me, a Floating Sub- Chassis plinth will always beat a fixed type (as far as isolation is concerned), so I'm guessing I will have to spend over £1500 to improve on the level of sound reproduction my cheapo Ariston offers.

[@steveaustin7306]

I made an aluminum sub chassis. Huge improvement

[@paulqueripel3493]

@@steveaustin7306 I'm thinking of trying to make a carbon fibre sandwich sub chassis (I know I can buy one).

[@steveaustin7306]

@@paulqueripel3493 can buy it in a sheet but it's very difficult to cut or drill holes in.

[@angelodagnolo984]

I had the exact same deck, I put a Goldring moving coil cartridge on it and it sounded unbelievable, unfortunately I sold it and bought a Linn Axis, not as good.

[@Mark-P]

I had an Ariston in the early 80’s, but I can’t remember which model it was.

[@TheManolis1984]

A colleague gave one to me a few days ago because he wasn't using it anymore. It looks a bit different though, notably the on-off switch and the arm. Do you happen to know where I can find a replacement belt?

[@markcarman7492]

I’ve recently purchased the RD80 but I’ve never seen a plug like it. Anyone know what plug adapter you need to connect to a 3 pin uk plug?

[@christopherward5065]

I would love to know why our Hifi press was so strange at the time when these turntables were around. We had a huge range to choose from and there was a vast number of Japanese decks that were never mentioned or, reviewed. We were in a bubble where everything reported was in the light of the Dual CS505, the Rega Planar 3 or the Linn LP12. HiFi News and Record Review used to be a bit more open to alternatives and we escaped the tyranny of HiFi Answers more limited scope. CD overturned the orthodoxies about what was possible by offering a simpler process that made the entry level less painful. The smaller players got pushed out and the shops stocked fewer turntables it seemed.

[@davidibrahim560]

I bought the RD 80 in the early 80s from a dealer on the A6 Hazel Grove can not remember name. It was my first high end deck with a linn basic S shaped tone arm. Lived with if for a matter of a few weeks and upgraded to a Lp12 with same arm. The linn was just better in all respects except price. All I can remember is that I was so disappointed with the sound when I got it home. You know me Phil obsessive!!!

[@cheshireaudio]

Ha ha ... only a ‘little’

[@paulqueripel3493]

I thought the base had holes in to adjust the springs. The 80SL has.

[@miketierney452]

still got an rd80 sl fitted a mission 774 lc arm & nagoaka mp30..was my main deck until I found a manticore mantra

[@derekstryjski6809]

Can you still get spares for the Aristons ?

[@pearceclayton8498]

I had an RD80 from about 1987 until about 1996. It was bought from Laskey's as a display model for £50 because it was turning in the wrong direction. Needless to say the motor was incorrectly wired and I soon sorted that out. It came with its own branded arm - the Logic and I partnered it with an A&R P77. It did seem to be an upgrade from my old STD 305M which I sold to a friend, but I always felt that it needed a better power supply as the pitch was never very solid. I sold it to my ex and so do not know what has become of it, but for £50 it was a bargain. Since they I downgraded to a P3/RB300/Elys and then sold that a few years ago as it was such a disppointment in terms of dynamics. Now I have nothing to play my LPs for the moment.

[@paulqueripel3493]

In the 1980s I bought an external power supply from Hi-fi news magazine (not a classified ad. a reader's offer) that promised a more consistent frequency , and switchable speeds. Can't comment on the first bit, the second was useful. They had a choice of supplies, depending on what turntable you had.

[@derekgibson7037]

Mine didn’t come with a clamp.

[@johnhobson6042]

Had this deck early 80s think it was the sl version it had an ultra craft tone arm any one remember that

[@jean-paul7251]

Don't waste your money on linn. The ariston is best at a great price!

[@stephenlegg262]

Hi. Why do some turntables bounce. What is the advantage.

[@cheshireaudio]

Isolation from acoustic feedback... ultra light or ultra heavy decks don’t need it, but mid mass models tend to be suspended

[@stephenlegg262]

@@cheshireaudio thank you.

[@RobGordon35]

-Linn? Dont forget the forgotten Strathclyde 305 M! Better than the sondeck.

[@stephenroe201]

Any chance of a Revolver review?

[@cheshireaudio]

Definitely if one comes through the workshop... I do see them fairly regular

[@stephenroe201]

@@cheshireaudio I have a P3 but was gifted a revolver recently im interested to see your thought's it has a few interesting features ie the PIG ?

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I love mine with an Ittok and K9 cartridge. I had the original Pink Triangle turntable and a Rega P3 and to my ears it’s better than both.

[@705johnnyboy]

shhhhhh,it will go expensive