Acoustic Research AR-1, American Audio History

Various audio projects and rent require that I step up my efforts to sell my personal example of American audio history, the first acoustic suspension speaker model, the Acoustic Research AR-1.

I won't bore you with the details available all over the internet, but it was the AR-1 that made Edgar Vilchur and Henry Kloss famous and heralded the day of compact, inefficient bookshelf speakers with deeper bass response than refrigerator sized cabinets of the same era. (An early review put the AR-1 above the Klipschorn in all areas but efficiency, but ironically was rated as the most efficient true bass (sub-35Hz) reproducer of the '50s.) It was this speaker design that came to dominate the hobby for the fifty+ years since its first inception in 1954, bringing bookshelves and monitors to dominance and creating the need for monster amplifiers. (The minimum recommended wattage rating for the AR-1 was the maximum of the largest tube amplifier [a McIntosh] of the time.)

This is serial #6220 and has the early 7-post backplate of the rarer, late '50s models (later versions switched to a basic 3-post) that allows for selection of operating either driver separately or switching between 4ohm and 8 ohm operation. It is not the AR-1W and does contain the much sought after Western Electric designed, likely Altec built, 755A 8" full-range driver. This full-range is all the rage in Japan, China, and Korea and 6 Moons even did a recent review on a new design using this driver.

You can learn a lot more with a quick Google search and read on the AR-1.

I took some better pictures the other day for a buyer who unfortunate circumstances forced to back out. So, figured a separate thread for this speaker was justified for them.



































Pictures emphasize the dings and scratches so you know what you're getting. The white thing is a white plastic cap as a white balance reference. If you're interested in a refinished unit, I know of a nice gentleman in Seattle who specializes in refinishing vintage ARs (including specially sourcing a near grill cloth match to cure the discoloration and tear) and is sure this could be made to look better than new. His word is that refinished, this AR-1 should be able to fetch $900-$1500.

Asking price is $700 or best offer, emphasis on the OBO. Price is $600 if I don't have to ship (hate packing and shipping).

Will consider partial trades, such as a decent preamplifier, CD player, and/or DAC. Check my "Wanted" thread in the Wanted section for ideas.

Have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'll try to give you an accurate response and if I don't know, I'll try to come up with some creative BS.

- JP

Correction: I meant to check my wanted threads in the Wanted section. I have several there, maybe you have something I'd take in trade.

- JP

hi jp,

dont know if you sold the speaker or not yet but i found this http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/486...aker__original/

you might want to try and contact that guy.goodluck.

chris

good eye Chris!!

what's amazing is i remembered this post

Thanks for the headsup, Chris. I've gone ahead and sent the gent an email. Maybe, just maybe, he'll be interested. Though, I don't know what international shipping issues could arise if there are customs fees to consider.

- JP

That part of the want listing is an exaggeration, as I never heard back.

Ah well, better luck next time, I s'pose.

- JP

just wondering jp, did you try the phone#?

No, I'm none too fond of using the telephone and prefer email. Besides, it's difficult to send links to pictures through spoken voice. I'm guessing that being the fourth to reply via email to his listing that his want was filled or at least my being out of the country caused disinterest.

- JP

ahh ok i understand.guess he wasnt too interested or like you said he found one.i tried at least.