Video - Tube Hybrid Amplifier

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Acoustic Research AR3A Speakers - The "Keeper" Pair

Double-boxed, with packing peanuts separating the outer box from the original AR3A boxes inside

Original AR3A box, showing packing material

Grill cloth looked near-perfect. 

Unfortunately, I'll have to replace the cloth, as it was so brittle, it tore in a couple of places around the edge while removing the grills. I am purchasing 18-count ivory-colored linen off eBay as a substitute for the Irish linen that AR used on these grills. The Irish linen in this thread count is no longer available. 

Cabinets are in very good condition.

According to the original owner, the grills were never removed, and the drivers show no impact-damage from shipping or grill-bump of any kind. 

The early, Alnico magnet version of the AR3A used cloth surrounds. Later versions used Urethane and foam surrounds that deteriorated over time.

I received a pair of Acoustic Research AR3A speakers from the original owner, who is a reader of this blog. The tone controls in the back of each speaker need repair/replacement, and the crossovers will likely need new capacitors and/or resistors as, after 45 years, they have no-doubt drifted wildly out of spec. 

The cabinets are pristine, and the drivers look fine. I'm taking them to Orange County Speaker this week and leaving them there so they can test them out and work on them. 

I'll create another post with information and pics as I move forward with this project. 

Ever own a pair of AR3 or AR3A speakers? Have something to contribute? Please leave a comment below. Thanks!

Speakers - Acoustic Research AR-90

Found these pair of AR-90 speakers at a yard sale in Santa Barbara. We were on vacation so there wasn't any room in the van to bring them home. The guy wanted $300 for them, so it was still a good deal, but I would have made a return trip from Orange County with an empty van if he's asked half that amount. Plus, after the Hales Revelation purchase, I just don't have room for gargantuan speakers right now.

He had them hooked up to an Onkyo A/V receiver and they sounded fine. Tough to give a critical listen to speakers that are sitting on a driveway. I've seen these on CraigsList for as high as $750/pair. The AR-9 is the big brother to this one. Same mid and high drivers (from what I've read on a forum), but 2 x 12" woofers in each cabinet instead of 2 x 10".

Have any experience with the AR-90? Shoot me an email or leave a comment. Thanks!

Speakers - Acoustic Research AR-3a

No, these aren't mine. I did have them for a few days though and listened to them . . .a little. As you can see from the bottom photo, the woofer needs help. There's an excellent restoration guide for FREE for AR-3A speakers HERE.

I played these at very low volume, and considering the driver condition, there's no need for an audio assessment here. These are very collectible though, and there's even a pair in the Smithsonian American History Museum - according to Wikipedia, anyway.

I was glad to get an up-close look at these iconic loudspeakers, and perhaps one day I'll get a pair of my own to enjoy.

Ever listened to AR-3A's? Tell us what you think of them.

Speakers - Acoustic Research AR-2

Just read a post on the AudioKarma forum reminded me of my "orphan" AR-2 speaker as well. Found this at a thrift store, and was amazed by the mushy-ness of the woofer surround. I brought it home, only to include it in a trade with some other equipment a couple weeks later. I tried hooking it up, but the woofer was rubbing on the voice coil, so it was not worth keeping. I grabbed it at first because I was thining AR-2A, not AR-2 - impulse buy remorse.

If you're into vintage audio, then you are probably familiar with AudioKarma. I've been a member for three years now, but just started posting as my hobby evolves into an obsession! Check it out, join if you have the time - great, valuable info there and a terrific community.

Have any photos or stories about your Acoustic Research AR-2? Please leave a comment or send me an email.

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