AR-3a or AR-5s

[asdf1234]

I'm looking to a set of AR-3a or AR-5s speakers.
Are the AR-3a better sounding than the AR-5s speakers?
and what is The difference?:scratch2:

 

[SFBayArch]

the AR5's have 10 inch woofers to the AR3a's 12 inchers.
Some prefer the more balanced response of the 5 over the 3a, calling the 3a comparatively bottom heavy....

I lean in that direction myself, preferring both the AR2ax and the AR5 to the AR3a...but that's only my 2 cents...

 

[Rome]

Hi asd!

I have both pair & if you want powerful bass the 3as are it, but they are 4ohm speakers & need some high clean current to make them truly impressive. I drive my 3a's with 75wpc right now they sound awesome.

Now, my 5's are more balanced with taut bass & nice midrange sound. I am driving them with 100wpc. I am not fully assured that this amp will drive the 3a's so I will keep looking for something with more power when I can afford it.

I wouldn't part with either pair as they both exhibit wonderful traits in their own right.

Let us know what you decide.
Rome

 

[davidro]

I wouldn't worry too much about having to have a powerful amp for the 3a as long as the amp has 4 ohm capability, unless you have a huge listening room.

 

[luddite]

100 watts RMS per channel is more than enough to drive AR3a's. They are really loud. Of all my speakers (too many) it surprised me that the AR3a's put out more volume at the same volume setting than any of the others. The bass is there, as has been mentioned. Clean and physical, but not dominant. It just delivers what's in the source output, which so many speakers can't do as well.

 

[asdf1234]

ar5s

decide.!!!

 

[AR4x]

ar5s

decide.!!!

Congrat!

You made the right choice. Now get yourself an AR AU amplifier and you are set, it will drive the 2, 3, 4, 5 crazily good :thmbsp: