AR-4x - Potentiometers.

[Bhorn]

Picked up a pair AR-4x. Tried both speakers, one works, the other no sound. Removed potentiometer, and corrosion.
The clip on tweeter adjustment knob is corroded thru. Have been trying to locate new clips? ( Don't know what the part is called ).
See attached photos.
Thanks, bhorn.

 

[spark1]

That's the wiper. I don't think a replacement for it will be easy to find.

At one point, member @JKent was offering modern replacement pots for use with AR speakers (true pots, not L-pads). You might want to reach out to him. I've used the ones he was offering (although from a different supplier) with good success.

 

[Bhorn]

Thanks for your timely reply. Now have found that one speaker doesn't have any sound at all, woofer ( when lightly pressing) makes scraping sound. In all probability the voice coil.
Tweeter is due to sweep on control, eroded thru?

 

[Bhorn]

Will contact @JKent. Have searched some what, trying to stay original.

 

[spark1]

Thanks for your timely reply. Now have found that one speaker doesn't have any sound at all, woofer ( when lightly pressing) makes scraping sound. In all probability the voice coil.
Tweeter is due to sweep on control, eroded thru?

Test woofer resistance with meter.

 

[Bhorn]

Battery in meter is weak, will have to pick up new.
Hooked amp up to speaker woofer. One worked, other did not respond at all.

 

[jtee1340]

Check out seller vintage-ar on that auction site. Got new pots there for my AR 4x. Don't think you will find parts for the pots anywhere. I cleaned the corrosion off my pots, and they lasted a while, but new ones worked much better. They are not real cheap, but they do make a difference.
Good luck

 

[Bhorn]

Will do. Thanks for your assistance. bhorn.

 

[spark1]

Just FYI, vintage-ar sells l-pads, not potentiometers, as far as I remember. You can buy the same ones for less than half the price at Parts Express.

The debate over l-pads vs pots is endless, but if your intent is to keep them "original", pots would be the way to go.

 

[Bhorn]

Finding original pot's is proving hard to find.
Maybe I-pads is the other option.
Now have discovered that one woofer, appears to be non-functional. It makes scraping, scratching sound while lightly pressing.
I am attempting to find close numbers matching replacement.
Both woofer numbers, on magnets are same.
8W-2748
137 6807
I have googled this to no effect.
No speaker provider contacted have rebuild kits ( voice coil, shims, dust cap, glue ). They have complete cone replacement for other series speakers, but not these.
Would really prefer to new voice coil these.
Any guidance will be especially appreciated.
Thanks, bhorn.

 

[spark1]

Google Search

4x woofers show up on ebay fairly regularly...probably around $65, delivered.

Have you contacted AK member @JKent ?

 

[JonL]

When I had my AR-4x's running (many years ago) I always had the tweeter control full up. I still have the speakers (purchased new in ~1973) and intend to refurbish them this summer. I'm just going to wire them to run wide open and eliminate the adjustment. I understand that's not how many people would do it, but it is an option.

 

[Bhorn]

I have read about this as an option. After testing both speakers. One non working, and one working, do not like completely open sound.
Sinse 1woofer needs replacement, the type of controls is of less impart.
Need new voice coil replacement for woofer. No rebuild kits have been located as yet. There are kits for other AR speakers, but so far none for AR-4X.
After hearing only one speaker play, I must admit to liking the sound. It is no wonder why these speakers are, still to this day so popular.
Maybe if you use the right caps, you will achieve the intended sound that is your preference.
Thanks bhorn