Acoustic Research AR3a - A Review In Song

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bb33 said:
Here's my take on this old classic
http://bb3blog.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/acoustic-research-ar3a-a-review-in-song/
Click to expand...
When I read "The AR3a gives the impression of being built by a bunch of 11-year olds for their science project!" I was thinking "Harsh!"

But read more and sounded more like my feelings about these speakers, which I have two pair. I never tire of mine. As for the highs rolling off, I find that as long as I don't listen to my "brighter" speakers the same day I'm quite fine. As long as your hearing is still acceptable for highs they're quite sufficient. And they image really well.
 
You should have double checked the woofers no wonder why you think they sound like crap......Maybe check and be sure the tweeters are working along with the pots maybe a recap is in order those are the ar 3a improved model
 
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Genuine Acoustic Research 12" woofers from AR1W in the mid 1950s to Teledyne AR9in the early 1980s ALL have two sides of the woofer frame flat edged, that is truncated. You can see the genuine article in many places such as on many postings on CSP. Even by today's standards, the AR 12" woofer is a excellent performer. What is shown here is in all likelihood very poor by comparison. That's not really an AR3a.

The fried egg tweeters on AR3, AR2a, and early versions of AR2ax were never used in AR3a. The tweeter shown is correct, the 3/4" dome. The fried egg is 1" and is orange.
 
The AR-2A has a 1.375" tweeter. The AR-2AX has a orange (first version) 1.375" tweeter. The second version, has a black centre .75" tweeter.

The AR-3A tweeter (.75") was different than the AR-2AX, as mentioned.

The AR-3A woofer had two version, one with a cloth oil imbibed surround suspension, while the second version had foam. Also, it's not a 12" woofer, but a 11" woofer.
 
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Sorry guys, I just grabbed the first net pic i could find.
i replaced the photo with my own pair but the only file I have are with the (non-original) grills on.
Thanks for the correction.
 
wsissons said:
You should have double checked the woofers no wonder why you think they sound like crap......Maybe check and be sure the tweeters are working along with the pots maybe a recap is in order those are the ar 3a improved model
Click to expand...

I never said they sounded like crap.
 
Hi "bb33"

Can you take a picture of your AR-3A without the grill, I would like to see which version you have, if at all possible.
Thanks.
 
moinau said:
Hi "bb33"

Can you take a picture of your AR-3A without the grill, I would like to see which version you have, if at all possible.
Thanks.
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hi moinau,
I know I still have an old pic somewhere. Just have to look for it.
Will post as soon as i find it. would be interesting to find out from you guys which version I had.
 


Here you go. Kinda crappy pic but this is all i could find.
Hope you guys can make something out of it.
 
Copa1934 said:
When I read "The AR3a gives the impression of being built by a bunch of 11-year olds for their science project!" I was thinking "Harsh!"

But read more and sounded more like my feelings about these speakers, which I have two pair. I never tire of mine. As for the highs rolling off, I find that as long as I don't listen to my "brighter" speakers the same day I'm quite fine. As long as your hearing is still acceptable for highs they're quite sufficient. And they image really well.
Click to expand...
Listening to Heart "Road Home". Talk about bass. Vocals are nice, imaging is what I would expect. Wonderful speakers. Meters are reading 1w and I don't feel like I'm missing anything. In my mind I can't help but wonder what it's going to be like when I have the other pair finished and stacked. Things that make you go.....YEAH BABY!
 
E-Stat said:
Get that thing off the Stasis!

Whatever it is doesn't need to be sitting atop a 1 kw transformer blocking the vents.
Click to expand...

Oh, some further explanation. That pic was taken 2 years ago when we just moved to a smaller place. The Stasis wasn’t being used then. I had to distribute all the stuff around the new house first to see which can go where.
I used to have a bigger place to house all the “toys”.


http://bb3blog.wordpress.com/test/

The Stasis is now out in the living room driving the Maggie 111s.
 
bb33 said:


Here you go. Kinda crappy pic but this is all i could find.
Hope you guys can make something out of it.
Click to expand...


Hi "bb33"

Thanks for the picture. It's a bit slanted for a good look see, but I believe yours to be from the mid 70s or close to, 73 to 76?
Anyway, they are from the second version, foam surround suspension.
The first version early 67, had cloth surround, basically the same woofer as the AR-3. From then on, a new designed woofer came in production, and had foam surround.
Strangely though, I've seen a pair of AR-3A from 1968 with the earliest type woofer, and they were original. Must of been some old woofers left in the part bin. AR, KLH, and Advent were famous to mix and match left over drivers from early production speakers.

All and all, you have very nice AR, and they are getting hard to find in good condition as the years go by.:thmbsp:
 
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