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AR-4x question about vintage

M

Maldoror

Member
i just found some AR-4xs at the goodwill. they have a different label on the back than others i've seen. 4xs usually have 2 labels on the back. this one has one smaller label with the model number (FX 408916 A4-4x) printed on a thin strip and glued onto the label. the EIA is 561 74 11. the norm poll doesn't have the usual red arrow on top.

are these early models? if so are they worth more? i seem to remember seeing some other AR speakers for sale that were advertised as 'early models' and were priced higher than usual.

if pictures are necessary let me know.

andy
 
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I may not recall correctly, but I think it was plain "AR-4" (no "x") that are rare and valuable but I'm not certain.

Pictures of the units in question would be helpful.
 
the tag on front is also just 'AR' not 'AR inc'.
the surrounds are black and not orange. or possibly they're painted black. there is something black wiped around the surrounds.
i'll probably need some advice for replacing one woofer surround and on the other the tweeter is out...not sure why or what to check.
even in this condition they're lightyears beyond the klhs i've been using. wow.
 
Hi Maldoror,
I believe you may have the later version (1973) AR4x's before they changed to the (1974) AR4ax.
The black residue stuff you see painted on the cloth surround and cone was to seal
the cloth......AR put it there!
Maybe your pots are corroded and your tweeter is not getting any signal?
On the back of your speaker, do you have a dial for your HF, or a switch with 3 settings?
If its a dial, you have an X, if it's a switch, you have an XA or half half.

ken
 
it is a dial.
where should i look for woofers? i guess i should try to find the original ones. is there someone who specializes in vintage AR. there's a guy on ebay, but for 50 per woofer i can almost find a new pair of these speakers.
 
The bloke your refering to is Larry, "vintage-ar" is his ebay name!
At least if you buy from him you have a warranty,buying from other people, it's buyer beware!
People sell AR parts on ebay, CL etc.
Ultimately its up to you what path you choose to go down.

Try
www.classicspeakerpages.net
Maybe someone there might have a spare woofer and tweeter for you (if you ask nicely) for a price, or someone here for that matter.
Good luck!
 
Maldoror said:
it is a dial.
where should i look for woofers? i guess i should try to find the original ones. is there someone who specializes in vintage AR. there's a guy on ebay, but for 50 per woofer i can almost find a new pair of these speakers.
Click to expand...

Based on the serial numbers and labels, your speakers are a later version of the AR-4x, built in November of 1974 (..."7411"). The woofers are most likely original to those cabinets. Unless the woofers are malfunctioning, or you are looking to modify the original design, there is no reason to replace the woofers. Larry L. (Vintage AR) does not sell a better replacement, and modern woofers, even those sold as "AR replacements", will not match the crossover.

Roy
 
Last edited:
roy,
it's actually the cone that's busted...not the surrounds. should i try to have the cone replaced? or would it be cheaper just to buy an original to replace it?
 
How is the cone busted? Can you provide photos?

Try working the dials in the back (vigorously turning them many times), and see if the tweeters come back to life. If they don't, then it's time for some pot cleaning. To be sure that the driver isn't just bad, take the tweeter out and attach an AAA battery to the terminals of the driver. If you hear sound, the driver is fine. If you don't... you need to start looking for a replacement tweeter.
 
Maldoror said:
roy,
it's actually the cone that's busted...not the surrounds. should i try to have the cone replaced? or would it be cheaper just to buy an original to replace it?
Click to expand...

...hard to say without seeing the damage and/or testing the driver.

4x woofers show up relatively often on Ebay. I have a couple of spares as well. Send me a PM if I can be of assistance.

Roy
 
I have 4x's from the very early days. Those tweeter pots corrode very badly and finally need replacement. I replaced mine about 10 years ago and they are working fine. Are they the world's best little speaker? Nope, but they do have a very decent sound.
 
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