AR3, pair, Minneapolis area, BIG$$$

[alteclipsch]

No affiliation, really look nice, but...$3k
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ele/d/hamel-acoustic-research-ar-speakers-1st/7584356245.html

 

[Taketheflame]

That's a very clean pair for sure.

At $3k, I'd personally choose to pass - but my guess is someone will come along and be happy to snap them up - the more collectable TOTL gear only seems to be getting pricier, especially for examples in exceptional condition.

 

[pauldrewry]

The papers in the back always seem to get ruined. But too high $

 

[alteclipsch]

The papers in the back always seem to get ruined. But too high $

Too much for my blood, but the AR cult premium may apply to these, as gorgeous as they are. Never seen a pair this nice. No mention of redoped woofers, or maybe they're foam, I don't know AR much.

 

[EastPoint]

They have the original boxes and are a collector's item. The price is fair, but I don't know if they can get that price on Craigslist. Ebay prices for AR3s are $1000-3000. The 3A brings a lot less.

 

[centsless]

Looks like the more rare mahogany and certainly in nice shape.

 

[Liangshan]

Although this AR3 speakers are really nice shape in rare mahogany cabinets finished with original boxes.. unfortunately they were restored.....Toward the most of the real AR3s collector, they just want all things are original,,, working or none working is not matter because it is original collectible no tough or mod inside and outside...

 

[Lazarus Long]

I have a pair I’d let go for quite a bit less than that! Lol.

 

[elitopus]

Just based on the CL ads that Alteclipsch posts, it seems like a lot of speakers in the Minneapolis area have high price tags. Must be a HiFi hotspot.

 

[alteclipsch]

Just based on the CL ads that Alteclipsch posts, it seems like a lot of speakers in the Minneapolis area have high price tags. Must be a HiFi hotspot.

Not so much a hotspot as an occasional interesting piece in a sea of constantly repeating ads selling junk.

Those AR3s are now $2K and the Flemencos are just sitting (unless they're gone and the ad will just expire).

 

[62caddy]

Not that it matters but the claim that the original cost of $452 per speaker is incorrect. That would have been for a pair.

 

[ivandezande]

Although this AR3 speakers are really nice shape in rare mahogany cabinets finished with original boxes.. unfortunately they were restored.....Toward the most of the real AR3s collector, they just want all things are original,,, working or none working is not matter because it is original collectible no tough or mod inside and outside...
View attachment 2787603

Not true and also Midwest Speaker is one of the most reputable places in the country.

 

[Bone Yard]

It is a HiFi hotspot! I think the blend of live music, several local manufacturers and a broad cross-section of population contributed to an over-abundant supply of equipment. 20 years ago it seemed like everyone was in a band and the live music scene was popping every night with hundreds of bands playing everywhere. I think every kid in the 70s and 80s had a stereo or boombox.

Like ivandezande said, Midwest Speaker is the goto speaker repair shop in the Midwest, several of my friends have used them without issues, they also usually have a CL Ad with a ton of cool used speakers for sale.

Now I'm kicking myself, I used to see the smaller 2's? for sale at the thrifts for a few bucks, but I didn't have room for speakers.

 

[alteclipsch]

It is a HiFi hotspot! I think the blend of live music, several local manufacturers and a broad cross-section of population contributed to an over-abundant supply of equipment. 20 years ago it seemed like everyone was in a band and the live music scene was popping every night with hundreds of bands playing everywhere. I think every kid in the 70s and 80s had a stereo or boombox.

Like ivandezande said, Midwest Speaker is the goto speaker repair shop in the Midwest, several of my friends have used them without issues, they also usually have a CL Ad with a ton of cool used speakers for sale.

Now I'm kicking myself, I used to see the smaller 2's? for sale at the thrifts for a few bucks, but I didn't have room for speakers.

I was only referring to Craigslist for stereo equipment. Much/most of it is recycled vinyl covered cabinetry that is renewed every few days, black plywood cabinets with black knit grill cloth. Lots of black plastic receivers, etc., with a smattering of cool vintage stuff, which I post here if I think it fits some of the AK audience.

The Twin Cities is a hotspot for music entertainment, I'll agree there, we get out to shows every now and then, the best of which lately was Bodeans at the Dakota. But the music scene here isn't what I was referring to in my statement above, it was more about the rarity of cool speakers available compared to the garbage I see 90%of the time.

And yes, Midwest Speaker is a great place, and their CL ads are good reading.

 

[Lucky Pierre]

Looks like the more rare mahogany and certainly in nice shape.

From the pictures they appear to be oiled. I have a pair in mahogany that are lacquered.

 

[Bone Yard]

I've done very well hunting for vintage equipment, toys and other gems from the golden age of manufacturing around here. Over the years I've seen thousands of pieces, some for sale, some being hoarded, some in storage. I used to live in Saint Paul, there was a small warehouse/repair shop down the street, they had some tires for sale out front, that I bought, when I went inside 1/3 of the storage was vintage stereo equipment. There were units all over the place and qualty stuff.

Speakers, at least around here, are kind of an albatross and were getting tossed at a regular rate back in the 2000's. Most people, even if they liked them, couldn't fit them in their car if they found them. Luckily, or maybe not, for work I drive a van, box truck or pickup and could always fit them. If I saw monster speakers, they were mine by default, including two huge Leslies that followed me home from the local ice rink (the organ wasn't a Hammond). There was a few years back then where it was common to see water-damaged speakers sitting out on the curb, waiting for someone to take them home, I think my huge Cerwin Vegas were curb finds, most of the time the kids destroyed them before they got picked up. 20 years ago, 70's speakers were just about a hair more popular than cassette decks, I'm sure I have ARs, Pioneer and others with $4.99 stickers on them.

Thanks for your posts, one of these days I have to start setting free some of my speakers.