Acoustic Research AR-12 Revisited; Vintage perspective against modern design

[@nicevmax]

I'm a vintage audio enthusiast on a budget, and have the Klipsch forte II that you mentioned and I also have a pair of AR2ax speakers. The ARs I got at a garage sale for 40 bucks I refoamed them and recapped them myself and I was blown away by them. I didn't even know about the AR-12, now something new to look for, will it ever end? Fun stuff keep up the good work.

[@2ChannelListening]

$40 AR's, what a score. You would really like the AR9 LS. Thank you for watching.

[@cmnhl1329]

For me, it is the “totality” of the speaker performance. The multiplicity of qualities that provide excellent dynamics, naturalness, low distortion, really low bass, accuracy etc. resulting in an overall satisfaction in many facets… I believe the AR9’s which I also own, fulfils this criteria, but also on a “budget”, as compared to many “high end”, exorbitant, and “exotic” speakers today. It’s not the best at any one quality, but does a damn good job at most.

[@2ChannelListening]

Very well said! Thank you.

[@robomixdj]

I totally agree as a AR9 owner/lover. Never heard a system with lower and more controlled bass than the AR9 + Bryston 4B amp. I use them for audio mastering for decades.

[@davidclark6896]

I still have my AR11 speakers I bought new in 1977. They still sound amazing! Paid 750.00 a pair!

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching and checking in Mr. Clark.

[@ronsinclair619]

Right on. Have always loved the sound of AR Speakers. Been thinking about them in the back of my mind. Maybe it's time to look into them again. Great video. thank you. Subscribed Cheers.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you, welcome aboard! AR9's are lovely with good amplification if you have the space. Happy New Year.

[@ronsinclair619]

Happy New Year! to you too. Thanks. @@2ChannelListening

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

I just got a pair of these and waiting for the foam kits to come to refoam the woofers and the midranges!

[@2ChannelListening]

Congratulations, I am sure you will enjoy the heck out of them.

[@dantoth2839]

I had a pair of ar12 in 1977 ,excellent sound

[@coreysmith9952]

Now this is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time! Made my day!

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Mr. Smith! Glad you like.

[@damirhlobik6488]

completely agree with you, it's difficult to describe the ARs sound, you just have to hear them

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Damir, I would ascribe that not just to the AR-12, but also the AR9 I owned. Impressive sound, but almost like its a 1970's clinical sound, less warm, more flat.

[@damirhlobik6488]

@@2ChannelListeningAgrre with you, they are flat and impressive, enoug for me :-) comparing new and vintage sound, to me, is like going to forrest, new sound=you see trees, vintage sound=you see forrest P.S. which amp did you use to drive 9ls?

[@mickdestiny6542]

Liked and subscribed. Great post! I didn't know what I was buying at the time but by sheer luck i was at my local tip-shop and picked up a pair of AR12 speakers for $5! Hooked them up to a Pioneer amplifier i have and was blown away by the sound! Cranked the Zz Top La Grange album and it was like i was there in the room. It was then that I looked up what I had and considerd myself a very lucky man..

[@2ChannelListening]

Good stuff, thank you for sharing. Enjoy those vintage AR's!

[@dougg1075]

I bought the Sound Artist LS/35a speakers and they are fantastic. Less than a grand and close enough. I’ve settled on high efficiency and tubes for my main rig. Very happy

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RonNewYork]

Bought my AR12's in the '70's. Some years ago, I replaced some of the drivers when they were still available from AR. Just got an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable in order to enjoy my old collection of vinyl. Paired with a Pioneer VSX-5600 receiver, the AR12's still sound amazing after nearly 50 years! When I bought the AR12's, they replaced a pair of LWE's (Louis W. Erath) that also sounded great from what I remember. Thank you for your great presentation & review.

[@2ChannelListening]

Great story Ron, thank you for sharing. Your system as described sounds like a vintage photo shoot special! Glad to read you are still rockin it. Enjoy that vinyl. Thanks for watching.

[@revelry1969]

Just picked up a set of AR-15. Need some foam but can’t wait to compare em to my AR-18

[@2ChannelListening]

Absolutely, congrats Rev. Enjoy!

[@sopasadena1499]

Purchased a used pair of AR2ax speakers. Refoamed the woofers and rebuilt the crossovers with high quality parts. One tweeter was shot so I replaced both with a HiVi tweeters with an inductor. The results were superb. Nearly the best speakers I have heard. Took them to a high end hi fi shop and the manager said they were the best speakers he had ever heard. Total cost $500. Concur with your comments on the best vintage speakers and what a good value they are

[@lomni02]

I have a pair of the AR 12 but in the rare option of a dark cabinet, still works today.

[@2ChannelListening]

Very nice! Keep em!

[@Techrewinds]

Great review keep up the good work love your videos acoustic research is one of my personal top 5 speakers

[@2ChannelListening]

I appreciate that!

[@dfddwm]

Hi great video. David, London UK. I've always had AR speakers. Started with AR6 in 1973. Then the AR162 (top of the Spirit range) a fantastic speaker very forward and impressive. Great for classical and jazz. Then the AR91 and AR90 good all-rounders. Got a pair of AR12s made in UK at their factory here specially for one of the managers then with matching AR stands.. Mint cabinets but needed new grills. The original foam grills just perished. The tweeters fine. Mids are ferro-fluid which can dry up and be a problem. Both units are unique to this single model and are virtually impossible to replace. The mid can be rebuilt with a new surround but it is a very tricky job though I managed to do it! The original owner had changed the woofer to a non-AR woofer which is a BIG MINUS. I am looking for a pair of 10" AR woofers suitable for the AR12s. Presumably this was done when the surrounds crumbled. He should have restored them, but who did then? These produce a big sound with an exceptionally transparent midrange ideal for instrumental music or voice. I would say more suited to classical less suited to rock or pop. A good recording sings on these speakers - as with the AR162s. I must be one of thecfew people who own these AR12s in the UK. They had only one previous owner who was a manager at the AR factory. They came with all the original brochures, delivery notes, internal factory notes and memos invoices etc plus the matching stands. The midrange restoration kits and replacement grills (which are cloth not as nice or chic as the original crumbly black foam ones) I got from AR Vintage on Ebay in USA. There are mid and high switches on the back which work fine. I didn't do any work on the cross overs which is where an enthusiast would start. They sound OK to me. A failing capacitor usually dulls the sound or introduces hum in equipment and these speakers actually sparkle so no problem there! Mission objective - the legendary AR9s! But I'd need a new house with a concert room to put them in!😅 All best David, subscribed and carry on doing the great videos!

[@donbustoarigato2997]

Have to agree. I'm very much taken with the vintage sound. And that's most of what I own. Some old Advents, KLH, ADS, Polk vintage Monitor series, Boston Acoustics A200s, Dynaco A25s and so on. Love the Kloss sound. Kloss and Villchur, legendary! Each with its own sound of course. I'm also dying to try out some newer pieces, especially some Tektons. Perhaps Zu audio also. Nice review!

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Don. I'm pretty fond of ADS myself. I have my name on a wait list to acquire a near perfect set of L1590's. Hopefully this summer!

[@haroldbrooks4235]

I love the vintage speakers

[@2ChannelListening]

Hey music lovers, essentially what I was getting at here is that I found the AR-12 to walk a fine line between a the smoothness of an ADS L810 and the mid and upper treble energy of a Klipsch Forte II speaker. I'm attempting to us actual comparable speaker models that may be more relatable in place of using tired phrases and audio speak cliché. I see that the downside to such an approach would be limiting to those who have never heard of the comparable models. Thoughts?

[@hifijohn]

The 70's was the golden age of hifi and there tons of hi fi stores everywhere.

[@2ChannelListening]

A serious lament on missing such an experience

[@djdunn4890]

I really do appreciate the videos you make. You are reviewing stereo gear that the common stereo fanatic can or would buy. I do enjoy John Darko's channel but your channel is more useful to me. I'm not paying $4,000 for a DAC! Thanks!

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you DJ. That's a big part of my goal, finding hifi are Real-FI prices on the second/third hand market. There is so much great used gear out there, its fun piecing it all together to see what's possible. I appreciate your comment! Cheers.

[@headshotpros888]

Great thinking. I appreciate your knowledge and stereo approach!

[@2ChannelListening]

My pleasure!

[@jafo321]

Let me start off by saying, this is one of the most informative videos on speakers I've seen so far. Thanks for making this. I definitely liked and subscribed. Um, did you say $1075 a pair, or a piece? I now need to ask for insurance purposes. I bought a pair of these 3-4 years ago for $250 that seemed near mint condition, original grills and badges. These are not the prettiest to look at with the grills off, they have some age, but they sound amazing. I paired a set of vintage KLH, I believe "17"s with the AR12's. You cannot imagine the sound and how well they blend with just my old 70's Sansui stereo, no amp. They really pair well together.

[@2ChannelListening]

Wow, thank you for your kindness. What I was stating was only for inflation adjusted dollars, to compare to what new speakers today get you, versus the high value mark set by Acoustic Research in the 70-80's. A super clean, functional AR-12 set today are valued between $400-750, if the cabs are really clean and free of those pesky water rings. Thank you for watching and subing.

[@jafo321]

@@2ChannelListening Yeah after thinking about it afterwards, I get what you're saying. I am going to check out some more of your videos given the time. Nice job though.

[@scruttoxable]

Thanks for this. I have a pair of 1979 AR92s. I run big monoblocks into them and a subwoofer. I like them a lot. Very punchy and tight. Treble is powerful and detailed. Mid range amazing but a bit too prominent at high volume. I set the treble to -3dB to flatten out the sound.

[@2ChannelListening]

Right on! Glad you enjoyed Scotland. You are right about that, at -3 db, they are spot on speakers. I cannot say enough how hard it would be to replicate the AR 12's flexibility at today's manufacturing costs. Great vintage speaker. Sounds like it brings you plenty of joy, that's what counts most. Cheers!

[@mjohnson9552]

My stupid ex wife sold my AR 11 s at a garage sale. We were moving...ugh. However I was able to retrieve the AR 12 s from my parents estate. I rehabbed them, refoamed the mids and woofers, the tweeters were blown (I still have them), installed some advent legacy tweeters. I have them in my garage... I have new large advents in utility cabinets in my studio, paired with my original Kenwood Kr 9400. They are sweet. I just love the tight bass response and clarity. I am thinking of bringing the AR 12 s in the house. Thoughts? Advice?

[@2ChannelListening]

Nice gear, especially a KR9400! If you love your Advents, why not put the AR12 in a second system? Did you update the X-overs?

[@mjohnson9552]

The Ar12 s are hooked up to a Kenwood AV receiver. I would swap them out. My 9400 for some reason makes everything sound better. Update the crossovers on which? How?

[@2ChannelListening]

The old caps in your AR12 certainly would need some TLC. Check out this link community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/4609-ar-12-crossover/

[@georgec8930]

Growing up with AR2a these older speakers can sound different on different type of amps and you mentioned it as I was typing this out, maybe you might throw that in mixing amps also or not. But I do understand now that you realize amps can give them a different sound. I believe you have a good ear, Thanks

[@gtric1466]

I like your honest approach. i have to agree many speaker manufactures make a name for themselves and up goes the price. Still looking for that tower with good accuracy, great dynamics, soundstage and is musical. that hits well above it's price point if you have any suggestions. Not into the analytical sound to me that's not musical or engaging.

[@2ChannelListening]

Greetings Gennaro, thank you for the kind words. As to your request, what is your price point, do the speakers need to be brand new, will older speakers suffice? Lots of good, but big speakers to be had just as you described. Do you want to run low tube power or big SS power?

[@gtric1466]

@@2ChannelListening I like new but have no problem with used as long as there cosmetically in great shape as i have the WAF. like the full range of towers running SS 100wpc. room is 15x19. would like to stay around the 2,500-3,000.00 range unless i can get a real bump up for a few dollars more. Thank you

[@margix1172]

This is the only look a REAL speaker should have and many speakers manufacturers are noticing since many models from JBL Klh Wharfedale Klipsch Tannoy etc....are rediscovering that looks and that sound....the sound and the look of the immortal era (60's 70's 80's).

[@2ChannelListening]

There are some great vintage designs out there. Better tweeters and lighter cones would do wonders in these old designs. Thanks for posting!

[@Leondc123]

Great video, Almost a chat about hifi, note just a empity feeling review... but... a nice chat about a nice speaker made in his due age and what this mean today. Tnx.

[@2ChannelListening]

I appreciate your comment, thank you. It's too bad I wasn't doing these sooner when I had my AR9 LS. I will be covering off on AR92's in the future.

[@shunpillay]

I really appreciate this video. Awesome work.

[@2ChannelListening]

Glad you enjoyed them, thank you!

[@socksumi]

Go up one in the AR line. The AR11 (or the AR10pi which is the same speakers with a bass control). With it's much superior dome midrange and larger woofer the AR11 easily justified it's higher cost. The AR 11 is the final evolution of the classic AR 3 & 3a and is superior to both in every way. The AR11/10pi was one of the most uncolored and natural speakers available at the time. It got named "the sound of a human voice in a box". That's how good it's dome midrange was.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you. Those are certainly gold. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Well done on the history of the AR. My preference is the RSL lineup up to before they were bought out in the 1990s. I still have their studio monitors 3800. RSL was the "Speakerlab" of California & made some fantastic rock speakers from the 1970's to early 90's. Rogersound Labs designed the 3600 to go head to head with the JBL Century L100. JBL actually sued RSL & won, due to the 3600 being so close to the L100. The 3600 could handle more power, sounded better & was 1/2 the price. I still have a pair of ess heil air motion speakers, from the 70s. Man, the quality was excellent on many of the unknown manufacturers.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Kevin, thank you! I've only seen a couple RSL and have not yet been able to lay an ear to a pair. I have a couple more vintage units set for March. A Tannoy T-225 and AR-92. I love visiting these older speakers and being reminded of how the early designers had to do "real math" before computer modeling and driver optimization software took over. I would say your last statement holds very true to today's standards. My next contribution is going to be proof positive. Thank you sir. Glad to have you watching.

[@codygrayland]

I blew-up my AR-12's, blew-up my AR-11's. Ran Infinity Reference 6's for far too long. Found Vandersteen 2Ce Sig's in '2016. Vandersteens sound like AR's, but, with a midrange soul. Highly recommended.

[@2ChannelListening]

You blew up AR-11's? And you still have your hearing...lol. Thanks for the suggestion. I've spent some time with 3A Sig's.

[@damirhlobik6488]

good show man, thnx :-) everything you said about AR12 is true, had it for 7 years, a year ago completely refubrished, as natural sound you will not find for 1100 $, no way. replaced with big brother MR. AR9, end of the story.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks Damir. The AR9's are something special indeed, nothing else needed. Had a pair of LS before I moved.

[@damirhlobik6488]

@@2ChannelListening go on with you channel, enough interesting information and not "experts only", just a hint, maybe something about vintage phillips cd players?

[@bruceabrams811]

I grew up with the AR line of loudspeakers going back to my early days in New York City and visiting there satellite store at Grand Central Station. I appreciate your effort in reviewing vintage loudspeakers in this format and I only wish you were able to also play some music but I understand the potential copyright issues for you on this channel. What are your thoughts about the sound/build of the Allison One speaker as a brand and in comparison to the AR 11 or 12 if that's a fair?

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Bruce, I actually do have a half-baked sound demo of the AR-12 with some Pink Floyd. I have a friend who owns some Allison speakers, but they are not hooked up, need to be gone through. Maybe I'll get a chance to answer your question in the future, I have not yet heard a pair. Thank you for watching and your nice comments. I think the AR9's are the bee's knee's, all three generations.

[@jamescassidy4045]

Anyone have any experience with AR-18's and AR28's? Just asking, because Ive wanted AR-18's for awhile, and today I picked up some AR-28s', but they need new foam. Tweeters are fine. I'm just wondering how actually different the two sound, and what the main differences are, because I'm wondering if I should put the money in, and fix them, and go with these, or keep looking for AR-18's. I know I should fix them either way, and just listen to them, but wondering if I should try get some 18's also, and how different they sound? Also, if anyone wants to trade for a pair of AR18's, or would be willing to sell me a pair, let me know. I'm a recording/mixing Engineer, and would give them a loving home, and put them to good use, and I'm not just a picker/flipper.

[@Old_Sailor85]

That's a hard-dome tweeter (pressed paper). Maybe try a pair of early AR-3a with alnico woofers and cloth surrounds. Enjoying the channel. Keep it up.

[@Old_Sailor85]

My bad, you are correct about the tweeter...

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for keeping me honest regardless. I have a some AR-92 that have been gone through and have new veneers getting installed. About a month out on those right now. Can't wait to hook them up.

[@patrickbateman1759]

What did you find the best setting was for the attenuation switches on these? Did you find them a bit bright with everything set to 0?

[@2ChannelListening]

Since I was only 8’ away, I had mids at zero and High set negative. They did get bright when pushed hard. Yet, there’s a lot of information theses speakers can retrieve!

[@patrickbateman1759]

@@2ChannelListening thanks, that's consistent with my impression. Struggling to get these 'dialed in' nicely at the moment, might also be about the amp/speaker match (I'm using a solid state 70s Sony which is pretty neutral and so probably further sharpening the highs).

[@timscharf3136]

A great history lesson for AR I have a set of the AR 10’s that Might interest you. Please let me know how to get in touch?

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Tim, I sent you a message to your KZbin page. Thank you for watching, looking forward to hearing from you.

[@robotway3334]

Thanks for this video! Very informative and helpful. I have a chance to purchase a set of AR 11's. I'm assuming they are similar sounding to the 12's?

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Rob, yes they are with some minor exceptions. The 11's have a 12" bass driver in the same cabinet air space, so a little deeper, but smidge slower. Also, the midrange driver is slightly different material and size. I assume you can demo them before purchase?

[@robotway3334]

@@2ChannelListening Unfortunately not. The seller is about a 6 hour drive, so it's going to be a roll the dice and hope for the best. Probably can get them form $600 CDN. Not sure if that is good or bad in terms of price. Not overly fussed as long as they are in good condition and sound good. Also have a chance to buy a pair of Tannoy Cheviots ( much more expensive +- $2200). Possibly a pair of KEF 103/4's. Going to have to buy a new house to put these things in...hopefully not a dog house. :)

[@Hi-Fi369]

😎cool looking old school speakers and great review my friend💥👍🏼😁

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks 👍

[@54tristin]

What is a good place for searching out used preowned equipment

[@2ChannelListening]

Hifi Shark works internationally. Pulls listings from Audiogon, Reverb, US Audio Mart and EBay.

[@louisdefunes8952]

Nice video(s).! i remembered that brand Acoustic Research, sounded very nice (also Celestion, British brand). here in Amsterdam there was a shop called "RAF hifi" (today 'Klubben hifi, Danish i think) they sold AR in the ' 80 s/'90 s. I have a pair of Dali Oberon 5 together with a vintage ,total restored Sansui AU-505, sounds great for my ears at least. It's just 20 watt per channel. And a also vintage totaly restored (also the exterior) AU-4400 in silver (mostly it was black. Both sounds great, i love vintage audio,but most of the time it needs a restoration (elco's/transistors etc.). But i don't hate modern hifi. Live in a tiny apartment in Amsterdam, so not much space. Nice video's , all the hifi videos(Steve Guttenberg,Darko Audio etc), but there is one problem; it's a never ending story..haha But of course, you already knew that yourself.😜

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for sharing Louis. I too love the Dali sound, great products. Vintage sound is important for perspective, and understanding how we have the sound we have today. Vintage speakers do hold up much better in sound compared to much older amps (in my opinion). There are plenty of vintage speakers I wouldn't mind being "stuck with" for the remainder of my days, however, I really couldn't say that about a lot of the older amps, maybe a couple of strong tube amps could change my mind. Retrofitted ST-70's are pretty decent. Thank you for watching!

[@louisdefunes8952]

@@2ChannelListening Thanx for the reaction 2 Channel. Haha, it’s Louis de Funes it was a french actor, made comic movies in the ‘80 s. Biut.. nice informative videos!! Love sound, love music. Would love to get Zu or Tekton , (specially the Soul),but no distributor here in Holland(Europe?). Yeah the Dali’s sounds very nice in my (small) room at least for my ears. And yeah, gear does matter, but it’s all about how a track is mixed in the studio(or live recording) and the acoustic situation in your room.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@louisdefunes8952 as far as Tekton and ZU go, you do have something similar with Heco and Audio GE Teddy. I fully agree about the mastering - it starts there for sure and determines everything afterward. 👍

[@louisdefunes8952]

@@2ChannelListening Okay, Heco is a German brand, i thought. Audio GE Teddy i never heard that brand. Canton(also German) i know. Tekton also is a tool company👍

[@tenturns3283]

You are a wealth of audio knowledge

[@2ChannelListening]

More like Google and KZbin...but thanks, I appreciate it!

[@sapankhurst2015]

When I first heard my friends pair of AR12's l wanted them. Too expensive at that time for me but always wanted them throughout my life. I became a sound engineer/producer and now could afford them. Even later AR speakers in my view are not as good. When the digital world erupted, they went too bright. Ar12's have the perfect sound.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks for posting your experience S A. Good stuff

[@divadgnol67]

Keep it coming bro

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you kind sir!

[@RobotronR6]

What do you think of Vandersteen 2ce Signature ii?

[@2ChannelListening]

I have only experienced two versions of the 3A, different gen and 3A signature. Nice, flat and neutral sounding, but in the end, not my kind of speaker. I like a little more energy and liveliness.

[@RobotronR6]

@@2ChannelListening I understand, I really like my Altec Duplexes, but in the end I cannot get enough of the imaging and sound stage the Vandersteen’s produce. What’s your favorite speaker?

[@2ChannelListening]

@@RobotronR6 That's interesting to hear you are not getting the sound stage you like from an Altec! I have a pair of Model 19's getting refurbished, man, just a few watt's into those speakers and I just shake my head at how effortless they are, the voice imaging is frankly leagues above the 3A Sig's I listened to. I would say two of my best experiences have been with Maggie 3.6R's and ZU Omen Def's with radian tweeters. Big drivers do it for me. The spaciousness. My buddy has some modified cabinets for 604's, another great sounding speaker. Don't give up on those duplexes, have the crossovers been updated? But hey, I'm not talking you out of the Vandie's, if they do what you like more, that's what you have to go with...your ears tell you what you like. Good luck.

[@RobotronR6]

@@2ChannelListening no, the crossovers are stock. I know that’s an issue, but im not sure where to go with them. Also, I already knew what the Vandersteen’s will do for me. I know what you mean by the big Altec, drums are incredible on them. It just sounds real.

[@RobotronR6]

@@2ChannelListening also, do you remember the front-end on those 3a’s? Vandersteens do scale. I have a Theta Digital DS Pro Gen V-a as my signal. I run a Mc-2100 amp (it’s a good piece, I like it alot) and I have a Inpsire CJ-5 tube pre-amp running it. I run Altecs w/Cary CAD-45se triode mono-blocks. Very rare, Dennis only made 6 sets. Great 45-type amps.

[@norberth3778]

I have a chance to buy the R12 for about 80euros is it worth buying?

[@2ChannelListening]

That all depends on the condition. Are they playable? Do they need full restore, new surrounds, and driver damage. Do you want a project that you will enjoy listening to when you are finished? That's what I would be asking myself.

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

Your cinematography ain't at no Werner Hertzog level but it's easily good enough to reckognise even the finer details on hi-fi gear, slightly misty llooking on plain white expanse areas is all. When I was a young teenager, my father had AR11's (i.e. Eleven or Roman numeral for 2, i know & remember not) & when he 'upgraded' or 'side graded' (some might say) to huge & wide 4-panneled Accustat 'Model X' e-stats, (I really liked) i was given the AR11's for my bedroom stereo at age 13 or 14, to the envy of my friends here in u.k. they looked very similar to the AR 12's on your video & I grew up with them until j left home age 19 where they came to my first flat with me. Had 4 or 5 others brands in between but none near as good as what i'm listening to now, i.e. 1969 made (according to the faded signed test-pass cardboard labels stuck to their rears) large sealed boxes of Tannoy 15" M.Golds, I recently had to have the cone to chassis terminations fixed (but changed to rubber edging as theyre not the easier replaced foam types) because of magnetic gap/ voice coil rubbing just on one of them & they're working fine again, not bad for a speaker 53 years old that cost me £100 in 1995'ish from a yard-sale. Now they fetch 2 to 3 thousand on eBay if fully working & depending on their cosmetic condition, I would never sell them as they are still the best speakers i'd ever personally owned. I still have the Accustat model X i inherited after my father passed away but their dedicated transformerless direct valve anode drive poweramps /energisers need a repair. I havent found anyone capable of doing it with their 5000 or 7500 volt combined energiser / power amps on each channel

[@2ChannelListening]

Hey Spotlight, I think you ran out of space, I have an incomplete post here from you, but I certainly get the gist of what you are laying out. I know this will sound silly to most enthusiasts, but the longest time I spent with a pair of speakers were my AR9 LS (version 2 of AR9). I enjoyed those for just over two years before going back to the merry-go-round. I have a friend with Andromeda III speakers, recapped - in his room, with his top of the line SAE gear, are the ultimate soundstage speakers I've heard. Thank you for sharing your experience with AR and Tannoy. I certainly wish I could have shared the JBL 250Ti's I had with you all, that's another ridiculously priced collector item now.

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

@@2ChannelListening Thanks for the reply, it was a very intersesting vid & I now declare much respect to the genius of Ed Vilcher (sp?) & especially for his 'dome tweeter' ...an important turning point for speaker design in general, I knew of him but I never knew he was the guy who invented that. Carefully selected used hi-fi gear has served me very well & comprises of at least 90% of all i've ever owned & if chosen well, it's a much better bang for the buck. Kudos to yourself for doing this purely out of your love of 2 Channel stereo gear. Good luck

[@tomkoutz]

Hi Jason, I'm enjoying your YT channel. Your content is A+, but the audio is C- (constructive criticism). Do you have access to a Lapel Mic you could try? If not, I'll be watching regardless. Tom

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Tom, you know, that's super fair and I will add a lapel mic moving forward. Might not get it in time for this Saturday, but will make it a point to get one and use it. Incremental improvements with each video, I'm all about that (within reason and costs of course). Thank you for the kind comments. I appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Cheers!

[@stevieg2755]

Right on dude,things like KLH model 5 started at 2k then they got greedy and bumped up 500,00 that to me is bullshit

[@2ChannelListening]

Get the hype train going, works out well for earlier adopters. Supply is no fun for anyone right now.

[@iowaudioreviews]

Hey that was Bucket Head in the intro. Haven't seen him shred with a KFC bucket on his head in like 10 years.

[@2ChannelListening]

Absolutely, I was able to see him live in Sacramento 2016. Just amazing, one of those moments where I get to see him play Soothsayer live, bucket list checked! Ha ha.

[@bracylj6911]

Hi I have ar2ax early mdl 64,I want to sell rush

[@2ChannelListening]

Cool, maybe you will get a taker.

[@jonfoss3437]

Plug em in

[@2ChannelListening]

Huh? I made a demo...unfortunately before I bought my stereo recorder. I had to give these back to their owner last year. However, I do have AR98's coming soon.

[@taineasy]

Owned a pair of these for 5 years. Bought them new. Low mid bass was a bit muddy and bass was weak. Nothing special.

[@2ChannelListening]

Attached to a lazy amplifier and I can see that, sure. They responded exceptionally well to my 500 watt mono's.

[@taineasy]

@@2ChannelListening That kind of power was not available when I had these in the late 70's early 80's. I was running an Accuphase p-300 and they were still just so-so imo. There was something about the mid-range, especially in the lower mid that was just not for me.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@taineasy good point about the power availability. Threshold came a few years later, just in time for the big AR9. Thanks Mike.

[@iowaudioreviews]

I did a video repairing the AR2 ax and was very impressed by them for their age. Been enjoying the channel, check mine out and sub if you can tolerate my long boring vids...lol.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you IowAudio Review, certainly I will give your videos another look. I did watch a few couple weeks again on your CD player tests. Thank you for the nice comments!

[@emdiggy]

You lost all credibility the second you mentioned you put on a Sia cd.

[@2ChannelListening]

So much hate man, its okay :-)

[@rickc661]

way late here - Yea, AR was a GREAT HIFI company, from acoustic suspension bass, dome tweets , they also had a top T'table for a low price (probably their best product , from price / perf. outlook ) and high quality amp / receivers. they were 50 w / ch. big for the time. But - I had for a while AR302 's probably the last legit AR product , a reproduction of the AR 5 , and with a 60 w/ ch NAD receiver I didn't like them. underpowered , I think. my Mom had original AR 6 , I had dynaco 25's both 1970 era. ( I'm 70+ original Jr High Beatlemania. ) KEF meta 50's now. with a 140 W /ch receiver which is what I think the inefficient AR's needed.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank your for your post Rick!