bolly said:
Thanks for the info TA! Any surround advice?
Greg,
Did you read this ad from the link I provided for the guy selling these AR surrounds? Just in case you didn't, here it is "cut & pasted":
"This is a complete kit for professionally replacing a pair of surrounds on all AR Speakers that utilize the AR 12 inch woofers. This includes the AR-3, AR-3a, AR- 11, AR-10PI, AR-LST and AR 9.
I know this seams confusing. AR called all these woofers 12 inch although the actual measurement is 11 inches. Competitors use the 11 inch terminology so I've used it also for consistency.
I've assembled this kit from components selected over the years while replacing the surrounds on many, many AR speaker drivers. This is not a generic surround replacement kit. The components and detailed instructions were selected explicitly for Acoustic Research speaker drivers. The kit includes; a pair of foam surrounds, a set of shims for centering the voice coil (if you are going to go through the trouble of removing the woofer, go the extra measure and center the voice coil), a container of adhesive ( It is strong, fast drying and dries clear. This is not one of the milky white adhesives, they are very slow drying and difficult to work with.), a pair of dust caps that you literally drop in place when done, a block of gray cabinet sealer (don't try and reuse that old, dried up sealer that's there, a sealed cabinet is key to those low bass notes), and a step-by-step set of instructions.
Now would also be a good time to replace those troublesome level controls with superior controls from VINTAGE-AR. These are usually on auction for $9.95 ea. and no additional shipping when purchased with the kits. You've removed the grill and woofer and are more than half the way there. If those controls haven't failed yet, they will shortly. This is a weak link in the early model AR speakers but then AR never dreamed of a 40 year life span. The original AR control knobs are a direct fit and usually on auction also with no additional charge for shipping with the kit.
I have recently added hard to find AR service parts, for speakers and electronics to my auctions for those that prefer to service their own equipment. Check out my other auctions. I usually have an assortment of early speaker models drivers in stock and some on auction. If you don't see what you need, drop me a line.
ABOUT VINTAGE-AR. During the early 1970's I was a partner in a small audio equipment business. We preferred to sell AR when our customer could afford a better line of equipment. After retiring from a career in Electrical Engineering, I put my in-home test lab and wood working shop to use servicing and restoring AR equipment. One of my specialties is the service of the original AR Amplifier, Receiver and Tuner. I hope this proves useful for you and good luck with your project."
Greg,
Did you get a hold of this guy?
From the looks of things, he should be able to supply you with everything you need? Sure, it looks like they're a little on the expensive side, but like he says, and TA has told you, those woofers are a special bird. My advice would be to go with whst this guy has to offer.
Retro
