Please help! Going to see tonight - AR2 Price

[gggvan]

cabs kinda scratched, pots will need replacing, but still work. one cloth missing. are AR-2 worth more or less than AR 2a or AR 2ax ? all else being equal.

 

[silvernutsaq]

I`m thinking $125-150 in less than 7/7.5 condition. I have a pair of 2ax in 8.5 cond with no issues and to me worth $250 minimum.

 

[gggvan]

thanks. these are AR-2, from the 1950's. Not many auctions on ebay to see price activity. any ideas? how are they valued opposed to AR-2a?

 

[gogofast]

what silvernutsaq said (hahaha btw nice name).

as for how they sound, you'll be amazed what great deep rolling bass a pair of those can give you. really amazing smooth bass.

 

[JonL]

I've a pair of 2s I bought at an estate sale after being surprised by the eBay prices. IIRC, I saw eBay prices of $200 - $350 for a pair of 2s, not 2a or 2ax.

Unfortunately, one had a dead woofer, but I've since gotten a replacement. Speakers sound really, really nice despite the rolled-off high end.

 

[gggvan]

what silvernutsaq said (hahaha btw nice name).

as for how they sound, you'll be amazed what great deep rolling bass a pair of those can give you. really amazing smooth bass.

so 125-150? do they fetch a premium above AR-2a/AR-2ax?

 

[gogofast]

so 125-150? do they fetch a premium above AR-2a/AR-2ax?

you can probably restore those pots, but with one grill missing, you're not gonna get the price JonL mentioned above. so if i was to guess a number, yes, 125-150 would be about right.

as for if ar2 has premium over 2a or 2ax, i don't think so. they're seen less than the other models, but with AR speakers, it's all about what condition they're in. i've seen 2a and 2ax go for over $400 if in nice condition. on the other hand, i've seen a pair of 3a's go for about that much because of poor condition they were in.

 

[audiojones]

Generally speaking the AR2 goes for less than the AR 2ax. That particular vintage AR2 is a two way system with two 5" cone mids for tweeters, and the lack of a dome tweeter like the 2ax has generally makes them sell for less. Also take a good look at all 4 sides of the cabinet, often one of the sides is not veneered on the AR2 because it was meant to be used on it's side (I have a pair that is just raw plywood on that side).

 

[colinsouney]

Befor you invest in those 2s, please do yourself a huge justice and research those more. I think if you are going to spend that kind of money you can get much better value. my 2 pennies

 

[bakes]

Generally speaking the AR2 goes for less than the AR 2ax. That particular vintage AR2 is a two way system with two 5" cone mids for tweeters, and the lack of a dome tweeter like the 2ax has generally makes them sell for less. Also take a good look at all 4 sides of the cabinet, often one of the sides is not veneered on the AR2 because it was meant to be used on it's side (I have a pair that is just raw plywood on that side).

Mine are that way as well. They're a beast to refinish evenly because of it. :yes:

 

[gggvan]

ok, went to see the AR2's. They need to be refinished, but no dents or gouges anywhere. They are the darker finish, which I don't care for anyway. They sound as they should, smooth, bassy, someone said "rolling", yes, I get that. The pots look original, but since they work, what the hell. Both original grills/cloths are there with the fabric on one torn the top about a 2" wide and 3-4" long. Turned them pretty high and heard no static, or loss of performance. The haggleing ensued and when the dust settled, I drove off with them for $100 (his original ask was $350).

What speaker suggestions are out there for good compliments to the sound these offer? I assume something that will add some clear high to the mix. I do love cymbals!

 

[markus]

ok, went to see the AR2's. They need to be refinished, but no dents or gouges anywhere. They are the darker finish, which I don't care for anyway. They sound as they should, smooth, bassy, someone said "rolling", yes, I get that. The pots look original, but since they work, what the hell. Both original grills/cloths are there with the fabric on one torn the top about a 2" wide and 3-4" long. Turned them pretty high and heard no static, or loss of performance. The haggleing ensued and when the dust settled, I drove off with them for $100 (his original ask was $350).

What speaker suggestions are out there for good compliments to the sound these offer? I assume something that will add some clear high to the mix. I do love cymbals!

any of the 60's/70's/80's era radio shack add-on tweeters would be perfect - the fostex-style 40-1310, lineaum ribbon tweeter, or the electrostatic one (I forget the model #) . . .

 

[Nashou66]

gggVAN, SENT YOU pm

ATHANASIOS

 

[mhardy6647]

any of the 60's/70's/80's era radio shack add-on tweeters would be perfect - the fostex-style 40-1310, lineaum ribbon tweeter, or the electrostatic one (I forget the model #) . . .

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=275874

As seen in Reader's Digest: I Am Markus' Memory

 

[Nashou66]

I bought a set years ago and redid the cross overs and replaced the cones with a nice Dynaudio( I think, bought them long time ago) soft dome tweeter. Love the sound now.

Athanasios

 

[gggvan]

any of the 60's/70's/80's era radio shack add-on tweeters would be perfect - the fostex-style 40-1310, lineaum ribbon tweeter, or the electrostatic one (I forget the model #) . . .

Sorry, I meant another pair of speakers that would compliment them.