Why So Many Recent Korean Bidders for AR Vintage Speakers?

[Vinyl Rules!]

I've been following recent AR speakers auctions on eBay and have noticed many sales of classic AR speakers to buyers located in Korea.

For example, set of AR-4x's closed a day or so ago for about $162 - With shipping & duty, the acutal cost will likely be twice that.

Am curious as to the sudden interest in AR speakers in Korea?

Anyone have any suggestions/ideas?

Thanks.

 

[nitrous]

AR speaks & Korean

I know a guy who put up a set of either AR-1 or AR-2 speakers on ebay, for USA sale only. All 4 drivers were dead. The cabs were beat to **** and painted white to boot. A Korean hounded him for them, offering $250 for them! The seller tried to dissuade the bidder, but the guy still wanted them. The seller didn't sell them as he didn't want to go through the hassle of shipping them to Korea.

 

[russkish]

I am Japanese American and I think I have some perspective on this phenomenon. I think the Koreans are basically emulating the buying habits of the Japanese, who have long valued some of the truly American high end products for decades. It is just another example of an Asian culture looking to buy American, from an era when American quality had some real meaning in the marketplace. They do appreciate the genuine value they are getting from the product.

 

[OvenMaster]

I'll bet Russ is right. You don't see them buying anything NEW from the U.S., do you!
Tom

 

[Toasted Almond]

Maybe because for years and years, speakers from Asia were nothing to write home about. The offerings from the major electronics manufacturers over there, paled in comparison to an AR-3a, AR-5, AR-LST, and every other thing in the vintage AR line.

 

[Manitoulin]

Could also be as simple as an influential paper or magazine praised the livin' heck out of ARs and now they are trendy over there...

Has anyone lokked at other vintage items, or are Koreans specifically buying AR, if yes, I stand by what I wrote above.

Joe

 

[melofelo]

there's a similar japanese interest in the original shape classic austin mini...which is probably the sole reason this mighty epoch making little car can still be serviced with brand new parts...40 years later
as for my humble '74 austin mini... now in her 31st year of duty...if she could speak..she would probably learn how to say 'thank you' in japanese alot sooner than she would in german..

 

[Trawlerman]

It's probably because the buggers have bought up the entire output of LS3/5a's

 

[Vinyl Rules!]

It's probably because the buggers have bought up the entire output of LS3/5a's

My God, man.

Are you suggesting the lowly AR-4x should even be mentioned in the same sentence as the highly regarded LS3/5a? :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: :sigh:

 

[Toasted Almond]

If we can mention Pioneer CS-99 in the same sentence with AR-3a, there is no problem mentioning AR-4x in the same sentence with LS3/5a. It's that kind of website.

I think the Koreans just might be buying up the vintage AR's for the obvious reason. They were fantastic loudspeakers back then, and still are to this day.

 

[Andyman]

FWIW, I'll bet that there are "supercollectors" over there that will pay obscene prices for gear. I wouldn't at all be surprised that these guys who are gobbling it up are flipping it again over there and doubling, tripling or better their investment.

FWIW,When I get some nice vintage Altec, JBL, EV or such drivers to sell, I almost always set them up Sunday nights with high BINs and often find them sold to the Pacific rim when I get up in the morning :yes:

I had one guy buy a set of old Altec 12" 2 ways for $10.00 and he paid $90.00 to Air Freight the boring cone drivers to Korea!

 

[Trawlerman]

My God, man.

Are you suggesting the lowly AR-4x should even be mentioned in the same sentence as the highly regarded LS3/5a? :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: :sigh:

Whilst it may not be proper to mention LS3/5As in the same breath as AR-4x, it does seem as has been mentioned below that people from the Asian market are buying up all the vintage stuff they can layhands on.

It's not just LS3/5As that have suffered this. Perhaps only 3 years ago a pair of good condition LS3/5As changed hands for £200. Now even the scruffiest ones go for £800. The same with Quad 22's, Garrard 301/401s, Lenco's and a whole host of other stuff that was previously prices reasonably.

It's maybe sour grapes on my part but considering the whole host of other nice gear that they have access to that we don't (like Pioneer Exclusive range etc.) they seem to want to have their cake along with everybody elses AND eat it returning for seconds. :scratch2: