AR2s found - worth going for?

[fotno]

Ken I'd wait on buying pots until I'd torn the things down and could get a good look at the ones already in there. There's a really good chance that the one that's giving you the most trouble is just that badly corroded. That gunk is a real PITA. The good news is, they're super easy to fix, and if you do have to replace one or more of them, you won't be any worse off for having tried.

In that same vein, as long as you're already in there, that's the best time to solder in some new caps, and freshen any questionable connections or solder joints. There's every likelyhood that you haven't heard these performing anywhere near as well as they can perform, and nothing is worse than realizing that you have to tear back right into them, just to do something you could have done already. Fresh caps do work wonders, I can attest to the benefit of a new group of capacitors - As good as my AR-3's are, when I tear into them in a month or so, I'm going all the way. New caps, freshened pots, and new sealing dope to tighten them back up.

Good luck buddy, if I can help in any way, feel free to holler - Steve

 

[MarkAnderson]

I'll agree with fotno that cleaning up the original pots would be the first choice, but the ones from vintage-AR would prolly be a good substitute. One other thought - if you find that the good speaker sounds best with the pot turned full out, you could jumper the pot terminals and by-pass the pot altogether. This wouldn't be my first choice, but it would certainly work.

If the cap in your 2's is the one that looks like a block covered in wax paper, you'd prolly do well to replace it as I understand these have a tendancy to crap out over time. If it's the older style oil-filled "tin cans" you might be alright as these are supposedly less prone to degradation. You can prolly find some more info over at classicspeakerpages.

Based on my experience with AR's (I've never heard the 2's), they are not going to give you the kind of airy top end that the HPM's or Mach will, but I suspect you'll be pleased with the overall sound once they're up to snuff. - Mark

 

[Kencat]

I'll agree with fotno that cleaning up the original pots would be the first choice, but the ones from vintage-AR would prolly be a good substitute. One other thought - if you find that the good speaker sounds best with the pot turned full out, you could jumper the pot terminals and by-pass the pot altogether. This wouldn't be my first choice, but it would certainly work.

If the cap in your 2's is the one that looks like a block covered in wax paper, you'd prolly do well to replace it as I understand these have a tendancy to crap out over time. If it's the older style oil-filled "tin cans" you might be alright as these are supposedly less prone to degradation. You can prolly find some more info over at classicspeakerpages.

Based on my experience with AR's (I've never heard the 2's), they are not going to give you the kind of airy top end that the HPM's or Mach will, but I suspect you'll be pleased with the overall sound once they're up to snuff. - Mark

Think I'll pick up the new pots anyway.....may end up with a few more old AR's along the the way eh?

I can work on the cleaning of them as well, but at least have the good ones on hand.

I need to do my research on caps, but is there any suggestion on the best type to buy ??

Regarding the high end, I'm thinking that a set of those external type tweeters might really help augment the system. The punchy bass and nice midrange would sound real good with some 10 KHz + enhancement in the response curve :yes: I tryed a 15 KHz test tone on these and it was actually audible with the volume turned up somewhat. They will at least do 15K, not flat lined though probably huh ?

 

[Kencat]

Proper AR-2 Cabinet Orientation.

I've been doing some research on AR-2s tonight. Thought I'ld share some of that here for others interested in the model.

These speakers, and probably other early ARs, were DESIGNED to be placed horizontally. From what I am reading, the dual angled-in mid/tweeter design is made to work in this position. It also probably placed the woofer into the corner to get the bass boost as well.

I initially had the speakers in the standard "upright" or vertical position. I have just placed them horizontal after reading the posts on classicspeakerpages.net. Better...smoother, highs more defined, bass is deeper. This is going in the right direction. I think they are still too far out from the back wall though (approx 2 to 2.5 "), but I don't have a shelf to tuck them in tight. I bet this would make them sound even better.

It would be interesting to know more about the design theory behind the "horizontal" orientation. :scratch2:

 

[onepixel]

I had both the AR-2a and AR-2ax speakers. They were pretty good and solid buggers. The grills on the AR-2a speakers nailed in with brads. I have original AR spec sheets that have the placement of those brads and how to upgrade them to 2ax. I'll try and dig them up.

 

[Kencat]

I had both the AR-2a and AR-2ax speakers. They were pretty good and solid buggers. The grills on the AR-2a speakers nailed in with brads. I have original AR spec sheets that have the placement of those brads and how to upgrade them to 2ax. I'll try and dig them up.

Hey there onepixel, that would be fantastic. Any and all info on these old guys is much appreciated.

I haven't tore them open yet, but have acquired a spare woofer and mid/tweet assembly, spare crossover and some new pots. They sound great driven by an old HK330C receiver.

Gotta try em out yet on my new Adcom GFA 555II. Don't know if the power will help them out or not, but it's worth a try

 

[ozmoid]

I have AR-2ax's, and my system is WAY under-powered for these speakers. The AR's are extremely inefficient, and need some watts to get a good response from the drivers. That said, mine will run me out of the living room. I don't really have a point of comparison for how they sound, but I will say that some albums are incredible, some are lacking. I have a feeling this has more to do with the way the recording was made. Jazz, classical are almost always winners on these speaks. Billy Joel? Early albums = great, later albums = not so hot. Funny, but it seems like there is an "era" of albums being recorded to sound good on cheap-o boom boxes - those albums sound like shite on the AR's.

 

[birddog]

I'm in the middle of doing a pair of AR-4x's, and sought out help here, you will find a bunch of good people with good advice on the AR line up. You should re cap them while you have them open, even some cheap .99 cent each caps will sound better than a failed/failing cap. I'm going with some Solens, have heard good things about them, and they are only 6 bucks apiece. The pots are really simple to clean, and work fine when done, although you will have to clean them again somewhere down the line. Congrats!