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Acoustic Suspension sound in 2020

A

AAinPB

New Member
I really like the sound of the 1960's-1970's acoustic suspension speakers owning a pair of AR-11's.

For a second installation, two questions for you folks who know far more than I--
- First, what if any new speakers have a similar sound?
- Second, any thoughts on KLH 5 and 6 vs. Large Advents vs. AR-3/11 and/or others?

Budget--I'll figure out later...if ideas are expensive, why not have a lust list to go with the purchase short list???!!!

Thanks very much!

Andy
 
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Most people who've heard the speakers you mention prefer the 12" ARs to
the KLHs or Advents. That is also true for me. I had KLH Model Fours and
have Advent OLAs. The sound from an AR-3a can be stunning. Still.
 
They're all amazing speakers for the money. You really can't go wrong with any of them, but AR's are probably the best, followed by KLH, and then Advent. Don't discount the Realistic Nova 7 or 8, either. It really just depends on your budget-Advents, Novas, and KLH's can be found all day long <$200, but expect to pay out the nose for an AR3 in rough shape because of their collector status.

While I can't comment on Advents, I own two pairs of Sixes and have heard the AR3's on a couple occasions at a local vintage audio shop, but I'll refrain from making any comparisons because I've never heard them back to back with my KLH's. All I can say is that they sound nice enough, but they don't make me go home, stare at my Sixes with disgust and start saving like mad for a pair of AR3's.
 
I'm a committed acoustic suspension guy myself. No need to explain - folks here in the know, know ;-)

FWIW, I recently picked up a pair of EPI 105's (similar to the EPI 100 in slightly larger cabinet) and I would consider EPI as well on your list. That inverted dome tweeter is marvelous.
 
When I was first exposed to good speakers, there were few ported models. Back then the bass of acoustic suspensions was always deeper with less overhang. Maybe that's why I chose a sealed sub rather than ported, when I had that choice a couple years back.
 
All...thanks so much for your thoughts! Really appreciate the help from the Audio Karma community. Am leaning towards another pair of AR's, but will probably wait and listen to the new KLH 5's.

Thanks again, Andy
 
I've had almost all the ARs at one time or another (now have 9, 90, 2ax, 3a, 92) and I once had both KLH 5 and 12. I'd prefer your AR-11s over either of the KLH models if your ARs are in proper repair.
 
EDITED: My post of a pair of Wharfedales were ported, to my discovery.
 

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