TC Sounds LMS5400 with vintage Acoustic Research AR-9's?

[Lauren95]

Hi there... I just recently started upgrading my system and could use a bit of advice. I lucked out and snagged a pair of Vintage AR-9s at an auction for $100 bucks and decided that if I have good speakers I better have a good setup all around. I'm in the process of re-foaming them since they were falling apart, so I haven't been able to test them out yet. In the meantime I picked up a Belles 350a amp to power them since I had read good things about Belles and happened to see it listed at a nearby auction as well. Anyways, I've been keeping my eye out for a decent preamp since the one I'm using currently isn't the greatest so if anybody has a recommendation for what route to go there, I'd appreciate it.
Where my question comes in is, do the AR-9's have good enough subs that I don't need something additional or is it really personal preference? I know I'm getting ahead of myself before I even have the speakers re-foamed but there's a TC Sounds LMS5400 subwoofer for sale near me for a very reasonable price and I doubt I'll get another opportunity to get my hands on one. I know some people say it's better suited for a home theater system so if that's the case I'd rather save my money and invest in something like the SVS PC2000.

 

[Bill S]

Each AR9 has 2, 12" woofers and an 8" low midrange in addition to a midrange and tweeter. Output is lower than 30hz and when room gain is added you're looking at 20hz performance. I don't think you'll need a sub.

I've refoamed 2 pair of them. That's 12 drivers. They sound great if you have enough power. You should be fine.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi there... I just recently started upgrading my system and could use a bit of advice. I lucked out and snagged a pair of Vintage AR-9s at an auction for $100 bucks and decided that if I have good speakers I better have a good setup all around. I'm in the process of re-foaming them since they were falling apart, so I haven't been able to test them out yet. In the meantime I picked up a Belles 350a amp to power them since I had read good things about Belles and happened to see it listed at a nearby auction as well. Anyways, I've been keeping my eye out for a decent preamp since the one I'm using currently isn't the greatest so if anybody has a recommendation for what route to go there, I'd appreciate it.
Where my question comes in is, do the AR-9's have good enough subs that I don't need something additional or is it really personal preference? I know I'm getting ahead of myself before I even have the speakers re-foamed but there's a TC Sounds LMS5400 subwoofer for sale near me for a very reasonable price and I doubt I'll get another opportunity to get my hands on one. I know some people say it's better suited for a home theater system so if that's the case I'd rather save my money and invest in something like the SVS PC2000.

The AR9 is a 4 ohm nominal load, it drops to as low as 2.7 ohms impedance. The amplifier must be in the 130 watt or higher power class, must provide very high current to drive these loudspeakers. No sub needed. But you better have a power amp which can do this. And not overheat, blow fuses, or destroy itself and your AR9 classics. Be forewarned.

 

[Dswankey]

.. I lucked out and snagged a pair of Vintage AR-9s ... I picked up a Belles 350a amp to power them

The AR9 is a 4 ohm nominal load, it drops to as low as 2.7 ohms impedance. The amplifier must be in the 130 watt or higher power class, must provide very high current to drive these loudspeakers. . But you better have a power amp which can do this. And not overheat, blow fuses, or destroy itself and your AR9 classics. Be forewarned.

Per the specs it seems the amp should be capable