Acoustic Research AR-3 Vintage Speakers; Oiled Walnut Pair; AR3; AS-IS (No HF)

Product: Acoustic Research AR-3 Vintage Speakers; Oiled Walnut Pair; AR3; AS-IS (No HF)

Product SKU: 23945

Serial Number: C 60415, C 60457

Cosmetic Description: 8/10 Excellent condition with minimal visible cosmetic wear including very subtle age-related finish degradation over both speakers, and slight fraying of the grill cloth on one side on each speaker. For their age, the condition of these speakers is incredible.

What is Included: Pair of speakers, Original AR literature, Factory packaging

Functional Notes: This product is being offered AS-IS for parts / repair only. Inspecting through the grill cloth, it appears all of the drivers are in excellent condition, including the original woofers. The woofers work well and sound good, but no sound comes from either tweeter on both speakers. We have not attempted to diagnose or repair.

Age: Circa 1967

# of Owners: Unknown

Tobacco Exposure: No

Service History: None

Other Notes: Purchased new in 1967, tweeters upgraded at the factory after the fact according to previous owner. No documentation available.

It is well known that the AR-3 level controls generally fail with age due to wear and/or corrosion. These are wire-wound controls which can be cleaned and restored to return the midrange and tweeters to operating condition.

More info on complete restoration of these speakers, including the wire-wound level controls:
here

"What made the AR-3 a sensation was the sound. In the early ’60s, Villchur conducted a series of live-versus-recorded demonstrations in which the sound of a live string quartet was compared with the recorded quartet played through a pair of AR-3s. Most listeners couldn’t tell the difference between the speakers and the musicians, a testament to the AR-3’s quality. Eventually, the AR-3 was replaced by the AR-3a, a modified version that used the same woofer but offered improved dome midrange and tweeter drivers that created even wider dispersion. Like the AR-3, it was regarded as the best speaker of its day and was wildly popular." - Sound & Vision

Product Specifications

Reviews: Sound and Vision

Shipping: Cost to ship this item within the contiguous United States is a flat rate of $179- including packaging and insurance. For all other locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska, please request a quote prior to purchase. Items with factory packaging will be double boxed. When factory packaging not available re-usable shipping box with custom injected-foam mold will be used. (for all items over 10 lbs). Note that all items valued over $500 will require a signature upon delivery.