• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My grandpa left me with a pair of AR3a speakers

arumakojr

arumakojr

New Member
Hello people, my grandpa passed away in 2011 and knowing that i loved music, he left me with a set of AR3a speakers. I really didn't know what to do back then, but now i want to start gathering the needed equipment to make use of this fine equipment.
However, I currently have zero knowledge (I did some digging on YouTube and and other forum tutorials), but I was you guys could help me. I don't even know where to start. First off, do i need to refurbish the speakers? what other equipment would I need?

Thanks ahead for your patience guys!
 
Register to hide this ad
Welcome to AK.. I would start by seeking an inexpensive amplifier nearby on craigslist and just begin listening to music. Perhaps there is a store in your area that sells audio gear you could visit.
Continue reading audio information.
 
Yes if the speakers play ok then probably not best to dive into a full resto, these speakers will at some point require this tho. They will need an amplifier with a minimum of about 60 watts ( more the better) and that's capable of a 4ohm load. You have a very famous pair of speakers, they will reward you given the right treatment.. try Classic speaker pages also, many AR aficionados there also.
 
AnalogueBen said:
Yes if the speakers play ok then probably not best to dive into a full resto, these speakers will at some point require this tho. They will need an amplifier with a minimum of about 60 watts ( more the better) and that's capable of a 4ohm load. You have a very famous pair of speakers, they will reward you given the right treatment.. try Classic speaker pages also, many AR aficionados there also.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much I'll be on the look out for those specs. Do you have any specific recommendations?

Ezd said:
Welcome to AK.. I would start by seeking an inexpensive amplifier nearby on craigslist and just begin listening to music. Perhaps there is a store in your area that sells audio gear you could visit.
Continue reading audio information.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I'll will continue my research. Do you know of any place that I could learn more about acoustic and sound?
 
http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/...ginal_models_schematicss/restoring_the_ar-3a/

This is the bible of the ar3a, read it at least twice! I'm from Australia and pay good money for AR speakers, they are not often available here. Are ar3s is a little like the Hemi Cuda of vintage speakers, your late grandfather has left you the custodian of great classic speakers. Hang onto them, follow advice of the wise...
 
@arumakojr Many have started here at AK with a little more than a question and a piece of gear. Seek the Forums links from the main page OR try New Posts and peruse the list. Just open a thread that seems like it will be of interest. You can gain a great deal of info just lurking in on discussions. If a particular question pops to mind, such as your original post, post up a question or search for relevant threads.

For your initial quest, you may find craigslist or letgo or FB marketplace, among others, to be a good source. A little research and an ounce of patience will serve you best as you get started.
 
I found a few cheap receivers on craigslist. Not sure if these fit your needs. Some are cheap, some are vintage and may need work, some have a remote, some don't include a tuner, ...

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/los-alamitos-cheap-audio-electronics/6998940718.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/san-juan-capistrano-mitsubishi-da-u-w/6993502693.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/orange-denon-av-receiver-avr-1602-with/6998308646.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/onkyo-rv401-integrated-2-channel/6984063045.html

no idea if these are good deals or close to you.

Maybe someone on AK will have something you can try too.

A friend had a ST-70 with his AR3's. While vintage, I think your speakers will need a bit more power than 35 watts / channel.
 
Bodyblue said:
40wpc is not nearly enough to get the best out of them. Like was said above, 60 wpc is where to start.
Click to expand...
Well then...one of these should suffice

sansui_au-x701_amplifier.jpg
 
Those really are wonderful speakers. My grandfather left me some AR-2A's that he built as Heathkits and I'm glad to have them - both for quality and memories of him.
Know that yours are something special. The AR-3a guide mentioned above has a section on how to do initial tests. No need to hurry to make any changes.
 
Last edited:
I would recommend 100 watts/channel into a reactive 4 ohm load. The AR3a is a classic, worth building a system around. And still in good order a fine sounding loudspeaker.
 
What others have said, yes. Classic speakers that will likely need a little maintenance, but once completed properly, will give you a lifetime of some of the best sound around, even now.
 
First thing ..
You're going to need to have someone help you test them to make sure that they work .. No sense buying anything until they work ..
If they work, then you need a source and amplification... digital is more plentiful, and much less of an investment than vinyl ..
Best sound for the least money will probably be achieved with a good basic power amp and a passive preamp ..
Luck ..and welcome to hi-fi ...
 
How much money are you wanting to spend? You'll need amplification. You can go with a receiver, integrated amp or separates. Do you want a radio? Do you want a turntable? Do you want a CD player? Do you want streaming music? It's pretty much up to you on which way you want to go but there is plenty of advice here but not everybody thinks the same.

I've never heard any AR3a speakers but it sounds like you've got a good start on a system already.
 
The first thing to do, before trying to play them, is to make sure the woofer surrounds (the part between the cone and the frame) haven't rotted. The early versions of the 3a had cloth surrounds that don't rot, the later ones had foam surrounds that do. Playing a speaker with a rotten surround can make the speaker irreparable, especially if played loudly. But if you don't do that, replacing rotten surrounds can make them good as new.

To check this, you need to remove the grills so you can see the speakers. They're glued in, so it takes some careful work with a putty knife to get them off. The restoration guide AnalogueBen provided a link to has detailed instructions. BTW, that guide is outstanding, and is what I followed in restoring my 3as. You're luck that your grandpa left you such a nice set of speakers, and ones with such detailed restoration information available.
 
These speakers were game-changers when they came out, and they still sound good today if they are running fine.

Like others have said - check the woofer surrounds. Other areas that tend to go bad with time on these are the attenuator pots at the back (they may need to be replaced) plus the tweeters tend to lose their output over time. The mids are pretty amazing (considering what they look like, IMO).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom