The BEST AR speakers?
- Thread starter Cathead45
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Either the LST or the AR-9. But I’m in no hurry to upgrade my restored AR-3a, which were the predecessor of both.
This thread might be an interesting read with that question in mind! http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/acoustic-research-pecking-order.728624/
Cathead45
Member
I am very interested in the late 60s early 70s. I'm wanting that deep rich sound I have found in my KLH model 5. I have another area in the house I would like to put a system in. It is not a very big room but I spend a considerable amount of time in on the computer. Is the AR 3a a three way speaker?
No expert here, but without further qualifiers, this will undoubtedly become yet another ridiculous debate. If the OP is setting up a system for a not-so-big room, I would recommend a not-so-big speaker. AR-3a?....nope. AR-9?....definitely nope. As Wayner has noted, AR-5 might be great unless it is still too dimensionally large - - if so, maybe the AR-6, AR-7, AR-15 or some version of AR-18 might be more appropriate for a smaller room.
bigx5murf
Super Member
Often overlooked, and unloved are the AR holographic imagining series. They're probably the last, and most modern AR speakers designed and made before AR was no longer AR (audiovox ownership, dropping acoustic suspension designs). They are definitely ugly though.
http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/acoustic-research-m4-61.html
http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/acoustic-research-m4-61.html
I’ve had/heard the 4x, 3, LST and 9’s. Out of that lineup the 9’s are the winners without question.
GD70
Lunatic Member
For a small room, say 10x12, the 4 series are more than adequate, the larger models definitely adequate. The 9's sure, but overkill.
My cave is not large, and I'm running a set of ADS 910's, and they sound great! Overkill, certainly, but it doesn't mean you have to crank them. In fact, large speakers in smaller listening spaces can be quite amazing at low to moderate volumes and give you a totally immersive experience where smaller speakers cannot.
I also listen to my JBL 4301bs in the same space, and they also sound great.
So big or small, you'll get excellent sound, it's just what you can find, afford and fit.
My cave is not large, and I'm running a set of ADS 910's, and they sound great! Overkill, certainly, but it doesn't mean you have to crank them. In fact, large speakers in smaller listening spaces can be quite amazing at low to moderate volumes and give you a totally immersive experience where smaller speakers cannot.
I also listen to my JBL 4301bs in the same space, and they also sound great.
So big or small, you'll get excellent sound, it's just what you can find, afford and fit.
Purchased a pair new in 78, my brother now has them. Good luck finding a pair, rare as hens teeth they are, didn't know that when I gave them away lol.
As for which are the best, whichever model I'm currently listening to lol.
bowtie427ss
Lunatic Member
I agree with the AR-9 sentiments.
But, they are also the most demanding, and dependent on the amplifier that drives them.
If you don't have the amplification and upstream equipment to support them, your particular results won't echo the sentiments in this thread.
But, they are also the most demanding, and dependent on the amplifier that drives them.
If you don't have the amplification and upstream equipment to support them, your particular results won't echo the sentiments in this thread.
StimpyWan
Addicted Member
Of my various AR's, 90s, 92s, 18s, 58S, and AR-1MS mini-monitors, I find my AR58S speakers the most addictive. There's warmth and detail, bass extension and midbass definition, plus clean and clear midrange and high end. Not overly bright, at least in my system, but there's a midrange presence deserving of decent gear. While I've never heard a bad set of AR speakers, my 58S' are a lot of fun, and aren't going anywhere.
r_brumett61
Well-Known Member
The AR 3as are a 3 way and in this engineer's opinion one of the best ever made, I have two pair. Are there better-of course but for a lot more money. Rebuilding can be fun and challenging but well worth the effort.
Yep, can't wait until my NOS tweeters arrive. The refurbished with new diaphragms I installed are great but there seems to be something missing. They were supposed to be an upgrade (one of the originals failed), and may be so, but to my ears they seem a bit too hot. Could be they just have better dispersion characteristics and being off axis has them a bit out of balance with the other drivers. Tried toeing them in, this did put them more inline with the midrange drivers output but this tilted the whole audio spectrum upward causing the bass to seem inadequate, which it's not when oriented as designed, facing straight forward.
