frankmarsi

In late 1970 I made the promise to myself that I would buy AR speakers. I was still on the fence whether it would be the AR-5 or the 3a. By mid 1971 I made my decision final AR-3a's it would be but, at $250. each, it was a tough nut to swallow. I began to scour my hi-fi magazines looking for the lowest price which was something I did daily anyway. I went from store to store only to be let down because everyone wanted $250./each except for the occasional price a few dollars less, most were out of my low-budget. Until one day in the back of High-Fidelity Magazine if spotted a tiny 1/8 page ad for a warehouse in Brooklyn who wanted $196/each. I called first and jumped in my car and raced across the Verrazano Bridge onto the Belt Parkway headed to Ave. U. I located the building and with a fist full of dollars, ran inside and ordered my AR-3a’s. Problem was they only had only one speaker in stock with more due in two weeks. I didn’t care, I was in a wild mood because I felt if I was to make this big (for me) purchase, heck, I’ll take one now and will return for the other. Two weeks later I was on Ave. U again and walked inside to retrieve my second speaker. Got home and saw that the finish was slightly different from the one I already had but mostly the wood grain was different as the shade of dark walnut was similar. It was then and there that my thinking was how could AR assure the exact matching of wood grain? They couldn’t besides, commercial installers weren’t so concerned as sometimes they’d buy odd numbers for sound installs or simply order the plain pine utility finish. Wood is naturally occurring and is not always matching, period. In any event, the super attractive price of $196.00 each was more than irresistible. I returned home and even today I cannot explain how nervously happy I was as a new AR speaker owner. Of course, I still have them but, only use the four LST’s for listening as they make me the happiest. FM

6/1/2023 There's a pair of AR-1 speakers available for sale rite now on the auction site and for a ridiculous price at that. 433

"The MicroStatic tweeter array has been discussed in these pages several times. I'm a fan. I think Frank is too. Some other members not so much". Hi Kent, yes I am a proponent of these little guys and have been since 1974. When I had no recourse as what to do about constantly blowing AR tweeters I was at my wits end. In fact I may not have become a continuing AR-3a fan all these years if those little guys didn't come to my rescue. Since my first blown AR tweeter in late 1971 I became a regular in talking to AR offices and sending out and receiving new replacements from them for about a 3 year period. Of course, that had to stop because AR and myself were growing more and more distraught by the issue. They even asked about my amplifier a Dynaco ST-120 which itself was another problematic piece of equipment and I went through the same situation with Dynaco with sending back forth their driver-board and power transistors. In 1974 I had to make a decision as what to do. I couldn't go on with constantly failing tweeters and, I had to have my music. After much soul-searching and the saving money each week, I bought my first pair of Micro-statics for $78.00. And, even though AR-3a's and the Dynaco amplifiers were the darling pairing of components back then and a very popular favorite if you were an avid fan such as my self. Fast forward to later 1974 and I had already straightened out the AR tweeter problem by using the Micro-Static array but, I was also past feeling devoted to Dynaco SS amps and had to move on to another amplifier. In that period, the most cost effective and highest wattage rating amps at the time were the Phase Linear 400 and 700 anything else was more money or ultimately had less positive reviews. The Crown 300D was tested as sounding too 'grainy'. I couldn't afford the PL-700 which at the time was an unheard of amount of power so, I purchased the PL-400. And as they say, I never looked back. With the Micro-Statics absorbing enormous amounts of power without failing and the amp supplying them without flinching the least bit, I was finally content and once more never looked back except viewing those first few years as a learning-experience. I also learned because of the changes I made was that AR's midrange and woofer were able to handle such high wattage without damage. From that point on, I have never accepted anything less than high wattage and crystal-clear and realistic amounts of high frequencies in my listening pleasures. For me, this is what I consider realistic and accurate sound and high power was the path I took. Listeners holding onto low wattage systems just don't know what they're missing. FM P.S. AR tweeters are excellent in all areas except power-handling as most would agree. Their degree of sound spread and accuracy are hard to match yet, they just don't put-out enough of it. Beyond all of their testing, the large amount of public-acceptance and popularity, for me and as generally most would agree, cymbals, note-edges, transient nuances, and other high-frequency information is not as limited in real-life as the AR tweeter portrays in most cases. Don't get me wrong there have been times where they can be surprising and as AR intended I trust the tweeter's rendition of high-frequencies but, that would be the exception, not the rule. I'm so firmly planted in this opinion as I've said above, if I didn't discover and happily use the Micro-Statics all these years I'd be listening to who knows what. Maybe Advents, KLH's, anyone's guess in that league or, I would have many high-end greats that have come and come already in the last 50 years but, that's another discussion. But, in the end, even I find it amazing that I believed in this speaker for 52 years-geez! P.S. II the newer ferrofluid AR-9 tweeters have improved things substantially however, their power handling is not a great as the Micro-Statics. The Micro-Statics were and still are very attractive, their price was/is affordable for the masses whereas other offerings were/are outrageously priced. Names like Ohm, ESS Heil Air Motion Transformer, the Janszen l-30, the Pioneer versions plus older variants from the late '50s and '60s are still available used. Numbed by so much advertising of components through out the decades that I've forgot many but, the list goes on. Additionally, the current market is vastly different than my formative years were of absorbing all I could, there's just too much to retain mentally. Ultimately, for me, my experiences reflect well on how I've set-up my system and my approach to critical listening. I've set-up a glorious sounding system solely with vintage components except, phono-cartridges, record cleaning and cables as I feel those areas have improved through-out the years and are easily affordable and do make obvious differences. They've certainly gone up in price since I purchased my first pair' back during the "Golden-Age". https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=Micro+Acoustics+MS-1+Speakers+Microstatic+Tweeter&_sacat=0 FM 53

@AR surround I was there but, I wasn’t strong enough yet at 4 years old to even push one of those boxes. @Alex C Congrates with your new find of a classic AR speaker. Eyes will have to be glued to the auction site to find a singular hopefully matching double. That blond-birch finish is probably the most uncommon one produced so, time and patience are necessary virtue. Just one additional mention and that is one mustn’t forget the input/signal source as also being of major importance. Invariably some new comers feel that the speakers are the absolute most important and while speakers are the ultimate last link in the signal chain and therefore ultimately will put forth their sound quality or lack of it, the input quality is certainly just as important at the beginning of that chain. Squeezing all that I could into my mind and learning and spending much time to get my system to sound its best was planned and configured with this always in mind. That is to say I already knew I had the best speakers AR made for that period of manufacture in the 1970s and, bearing that in my mind, I proceeded to improve all that my speakers belched out of their cones. From turntable speed accuracy, tonearm precision, the best phono cartridges I could afford, the same for the best interconnect and speaker cables. Within the same consideration of system building was the constant attention to room placement of speakers and furniture location along with consideration of reflective surfaces such as windows, mirrors and other possible surfaces of sound reflection, deflection or absorption. Unless you’re a speaker hoarder like many of a certain generation are here as I could be guilty of to some degree also, sound quality should be your ultimate goal. Some folks simply warehouse-pile up speakers, components and often get caught up in collecting what they missed and were too young to own back in the ‘60s and ‘70s and forget or are unconcerned with a high quality stereo system relying on misconceived notions that if they have good speakers, their work is done in building their systems. I taught myself as I was there in the ‘60s and definitely the ‘70s so I had a head-start sort of speak on devoting my system to grow as much as it could to approach the greatness I read and learned it should be all those years ago. Every change should make a notable difference for the better as the system becomes better, you learn more. When I decided to set-up my ultimate system after building varied ones from 1967 on, I had to commit to all that I mentioned above and that is the ultimate-system would be the best I could do. I’ve always kept my mind open from my stereo system beginnings and tried to absorb all I could. Teaching myself how to be a critical-listener became a prime directive early on for me and, still is. Admittedly, there is a learning curve involved but, that in of itself is the fun aspect of learning and building a fine system. All the time spent listening-critically also made me appreciate and enjoy the music more and it led to opening my mind to all types of music, it's a learned ability. you could say. Learning all you can from those in history who have made listening a fun and important aspects of life is what must be adhered to. Though, sadly due to some who minimize history, important facts are often times ignored and therefore incorrect information is circulated, it's all over the internet yet, often times with smug attitudes the unknowing march on. FM https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/10649-do-ar-speakers-really-sound-that-good-more-new-video/ https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/9747-i-wish-members-here-would-show-photos-of-their-set-ups-and-listening-rooms/ 85

I as I've mentioned before I haven't any room left to post a foto of but, here's the link. There's another of better quality but, can't seem to locate it. https://kahtahah.com/william-shatner-audio-history/ P.S. Good to hear from you again Steve F. Makes me think of the old days (early2000's) here at CSP. FM 137

"btw, his comment regarding getting the speakers up on stands: "What an incredible difference that made to the sound produced! It's like night and day difference."" The above quote is so true. Funny a couple of years ago I met up with stiff objection about not putting my beloved speakers on floors but, rather on stands with regard for best possible listening quality. A few novice members disagreed with my opinion of never placing speakers on floors. When my living conditions changed from the classic book-shelve' arrangement I initially had my AR-3a's in from 1971 to 1978 to a much larger room, everything changed. I knew I couldn't mount my speakers on the floors, heck, I learned years before that such a consideration was wrong and went and purchased a set of generic 10 inch stands. In a short time I realized something was off in their presentation and as my suspicions confirmed when I replaced the low stands with 16 steel stands it was like: "It's like night and day differencence". Well, that was way back in 1978. Presently, I have my speakers mounted 16 inch stands of a different nature and weight capacity because my speakers require it. FM 379

We all may have scared the 'OP' off or, it was too much too soon or, just too fabulous? 339

Not to discourage anyone but. About $150 for used woofers. About the the same for tweeters and another $50. plus for X-over and pots, etc. Then, refinishing, leaving one too consider waiting till a more complete pair are available. Only if one was hopeful and inclined to do all the work and such, only then would it be possible to enjoy these. Or, this may end up only as fodder for forum members to comment about. Yet, the thought remains, has this forum ever turned down a possible restoration on these pages? I think not. FM P.S. Has it ever stopped me from stockpiling woofers and tweeters? No, of course not and is due to my affection of AR's sound-quality for so many years, 52 years to be exact but, that's just me. However, AR-2ax's were very popular and decent pairs are still out there for possible purchase. So, have at it but consider some costs involved from the start either way-you decide.

Hi Pete B, do you feel the insulation-type tape is working, did you notice any change?* As you know the 'baskets' are stamped-steel and with the bends in such a ridged frame, I'm thinking there wasn't any change or noticeable difference. What say you? * Twenty years ago I bought a yard or so of the car stuff "Dyna-Mat' that I intended to use on a Thorens TD125 turntable I was restoring and hesitated to do so. I had researched it and thought of it as a great idea. Then, I started to think about the table's manufacturer design and pondered that if they didn't do it perhaps there was a reason. While waiting to make e decision I did further research and came about opinions that over-damping could have reverse effects was also a consideration. Then, in 2020 I purchased another Techics SL-120 (my sixth in the collection). The previous owner has similar ideas as he used rope-putty to damp the table. He used it on the underside of the table's platter, on all four insides of the cabinet and on various areas on the underside of the plinth. When I decided to try the table with a SME arm and a $1,000. phono cartridge- it sounded muted and musically un-natural. I knew the cartridges sound quality and it wasn't coming through. Dynamics were muted, transients subdued and generally all upper frequencies sounded dull. I removed same cartridge and head shell combo and installed it on another table in an identical tonearm on another turntable and all was back to sounding normal w/o the muting of any frequencies and all transients intact. I still have the yard or so of the 'Dynamite' in its box as my thinking has changed. I continued to research and found more often than not, the people who had qualifying ears and knew what to look for have contrary ideas and advise against it. There's even a very small patch of similar material offered for purchase that can be placed between a cartridge and head shell also intended to subdue sympathy vibrations but, the reviews were mixed. FM P.S. Thanks again for the Phase Linear manuals. P.S. II I also own pair of the EPI-100 speakers I found in 2008 that sat out in the rain in the trash. The woofer of course needs to be re-foamed but, the back edges of the press-board vinyl-clad cabinets have slightly bubbled. Might you know if I can firm them up a bit? Maybe I can inject some adhesive into drilled holes in the exposed areas? The board panels aren't terribly bad and luckily the vinyl clad cabinet had protected itself for the most part. Maybe "geneK" has some knowledge about such matters? 1.3

""sophisticated powered subwoofers are more than capable, especially with room correction software running, should the LST's own LF output be found lacking (not likely)."" Righty-Oh........ Though, I've heard what a good powered 'sub' can do and, was impressed, I'm leaving myself open to the next flight of 'hi-fi' spending fantasy should it arise. However, I'd probably tire of it quickly after spending fifty-two, that's correct, 52 years of spending a great deal of my listening life to what real and accurate bass really is by intensely listening to AR's for that long, so...... In actuality, accurate bass is what I craved as a electric-bass player in the late 1960's and through years of touring countless hi-fi stores enjoying countless auditions, AR speakers always prevailed as being the most real and plentiful when present in a recording. 'Subs' might be for those late to the 'GOLDEN-AGE' of Hi-Fi. For musical reproduction in a high-quality system, such additional bass may be necessary. Surely from what I see and read in the 'HIGH-END' publications, many of these smaller high-end speakers can and do benefit from a sub. Then again, I've always used a 12 inch woofer for serious listening. Subwoofers certainly add more dimension to movies but, that's an exaggerated form of low-frequency information for explosions and earthquakes, -something I don't hear regularly in daily life or music and would rather not to begin with. @ AR surround ""Of course, it would be interesting try the same away-from-the-walls positioning with the LSTs."" Dear Model Rail-Roader,* AR-LST were not made for such use, instead designed for strictly against the front wall. That demand may have also steered some buyers away from purchasing them initially. I've stupidly tried that and even mentioned it in a post on this forum as the sound quality being tremendously diminished and sounding like crap. In fact, there was nothing to like about them in that position. AR-LST's require the 'front-wall' much like a folded horn enclosures require their folded horn construction to assist their bass. Or like a port on ported-designs. My stacked four AR-LST's are approximately 4 inches away from the front-wall and I installed corner bass-traps on each side above the speakers in the ceiling corners. Being against the front-walls also supports the side mounted drivers both mids and highs. When I used my AR-3a's (1971-1983)** I always had them mounted on a wall for the book-shelve type of sound support. In 1978 in a new to me room of 35 X 25 X 12 and had them mounted on floor stands against the left and right hand walls contrary to what's normally recommended but, the room was so voluminous it magnified their output. And, although they sounded magnificent, especially with 400 WPC and Micro-Statics on top, the side walls on their sides is what supported the bass-response in this case. And, irrespective of them both standing mid-room along the long dimension, bass was substantial and without deficit. * former model rail-roader though not to the same extent. ** Then purchased the large Advent covered in vinyl, still have them re-foamed in 1997. FM 2.5

I would post a photo of my stands that I bought doubles of because I wasn't sure at what height my 'LSTs' would sound/look their best. I purchased 16" stands and 21" of squared-tubular welded steel and since the speakers are so oddly shaped and heavy, I use doubles to accommodate their odd shape and weight. These stands have a capacity of 250lbs. each so I have no fear of them collapsing. P.S. I sure wish members could have more free-space to post more fotos, as it is, I'm no longer able to even though I've deleted some to make room. Videos take up much more space than still files of course but, in either case there's no more room. I was able to shrink an image but, only too 41 KB with break-up so, what's the point. 227

I refuse to give up my speakers! https://www.stereophile.com/content/klh-model-five-loudspeaker

So, there ya go....BINGO! According to R.C., I was partially correct in my saying the Tonegen woofer could be slightly different in its sound quality. When a friend invited me over his apartment in 1978 to check out his new AR-11's I felt the differences were in the bass and that's what seems to be the only difference. Though in reality going back to my first pair of 3a's in 1971 I became so enamored with AR's 12 inch woofer I became a devoted and loyal owner and after being a bass player '67 to '73, and by listening as a child to my father's big RCA with a 12 field-coil woofer I was bought and sold for the rest of life. Bass prior to owning AR's had always been a major attraction to me, still is. Generally most recordings rode the controls down so most listeners little tiny two-bit radios wouldn't distort. They rode down the treble also. In fact generally for the masses consumer sound quality was minimized at best. Great bass players like Paul McCartney for one and others through out rock and most other music recording the 'bass' was always slighted during recording as was much of the higher table range. Damn, most of us had the exclusive use of 'AM' radio quality transmissions and little speakers. Longing to have one extreme on to the other was probably why I became so devoted to AR woofers. In 1972, I converted my 1968 Fender Bassman 'drip-edge' cabinet from its factory two 12 inch Jensens to two 15 inch Ovation woofers as I couldn't afford the proper "JBL' silver dust-cap 15" speakers.. Removing all of the screws from the back panel was tiring on its own but, removing the grill cloth and cutting the driver holes out bigger to fit the 15 inchers was slow and daunting. Being all of 22 years old I became anxious of the coming new results I was about to experience, I wasn't able to ascertain the 'Free-Air-Resonance' values for the bigger woofers. I didn't expand the 'port' in the front of the front baffle so, my 15 inchers may still be suffering and constricted from moving the proper amount of air and therefore not performing at their best. Though, it still sounds good for limited home practice use. So much for past experiments and youthful uncertainity. When I was acting insane* fifteen years ago and buying every AR 12 inch woofer I could find/afford, it was due to my trust and belief in the AR woofer. And although it won't matter to anyone else but myself, whenever I auditioned speakers at stores or salons in Manhattan my immediate attention was always directed to a speaker's bass response. When I finally acquired my four LST's, I quietly realized I would never have to pursue or even care about bass any longer because if not only their excellent midrange driver, AR's bass was pretty much all I could ever ask for. And yes, their tweeter had excellent dispersion attributes and at the time pretty much the best dispersion around, power handling certainly was not its forte. Current 12" spares are still about 16 or more in number, it might be more but I mustn't speak of my greediness in public. FM * Still do.

@ lakecat. You may be entirely correct. Though my condition of Acute AR Speakeritis Delusion' might be in remission at times and therefore unpredictable I can vaguely say that I recall seeing the yellow dome early on and I felt it was sort of weird as AR was always understated in their styling and I felt yellow would've been weird and not in keeping with their understated styling. So, maybe yellow domes were not 'ferro-fluid' equipped and they started use of the ferro stuff just after my sighting of the yellow domes, that's possible. I do recall in magazine advertising AR was broadcasting their new tweeter frequently. So although it is beneficial to us all then and now, back then, it wasn't revolutionary to the average listener and went un-noticed by most. Perhaps the yellow dome was part of a plan to promote their future release of the ferro-domes but wasn't continued in yellow? **But, here's a curve-ball. I recently read that a new type of 'magnetic-tape' is responsible as being and having the largest amount of 'digital' storage capability of 330 terra-bits on a small portion of actual tape. Magnetic tape was devised and perfected by the Germans during WW II and although it is more capable of provideing more quality of sound than digital ones and zeros can, it was sadly lost in the shuffle of lazy convenience by cassette and CD and other effortless means of playback. Though it has a level of sound quality that is unmatched, it easily fell out of consumer favor. And off on a another tangent, if certain money concerns have found it profitable to recreate the "KLH" line of speakers, is the rebirth of AR speakers far behind? And if so, what happens to "CSP" and who would be the first to hear and own them? More food for thought is the new Corvette as it not only retains a healthy V8 on board but, GM has newly dropped an electric motor in it so, I guess it's a hybrid. Does that sound acceptable to true combustion engine gear-heads? FM 248

@ DavidR "Can anyone really hear a difference between AR and Tonegen woofers? They are so similar in appearance." I believe the Tonegen woofer cone material is slight thinner as compared to the original 12 inch. Some folks have mentioned they found the same as I have. Unscientifically speaking, the Tonegen just doesn't seem as inert or dead sounding cone when given the finger tap test-it's close but not exact. Then again, I could be suffering from an episode of 'Acute AR Speakeritis Delusion' and, judging from how long I've been directly exposed, I could be severely contaminated. FM 198

Not minimalize any opinions already expressed here and though I'm not certain but, wasn't 'ferro-fluid' tweeters a selling point when the 11's first came out? Back in 1978, a friend of mine bought a new set of 11's and as I've said before the bass wasn't as well rounded as it was in the AR-3a however, in our auditioning we didn't adhere to any proper set-up when we played them. That in of itself could very much be a dis-qualifying factor. Though the woofers might be of the Tongen origin initially also. Only the Grand High Exalted Ruler Roy C. would be able to tell us all for sure as he's refurbing these and other AR's and would have the experience of seeing and working on them in the flesh regularly. If I saw a pair for sale locally, I would snatch them up immediately without question. Though like all things AR, the answer is no doubt in an older post. Hopefully, it can be found and much of the important opinions and knowledge that were already discussed by members years ago by those who had more AR experience and electrical qualifications. FM

Hi DavidR, yes the LST's are particular regarding front-wall placement which is mandatory as are their power requirements. Each cabinet contains 9 drivers and that is a lot to be responsible for in terms of any possible needed replacements and costs. At 90lbs. each and with their odd-ball shape built-in for some, they're not a typical speaker. As I've stated in older posts when I installed them in my present living room I attempted to hear them placed 1/3 into the room out and away from the 'front' wall and they sounded awful, I was tremendously disappointed. The following evening, I proceeded to clear one narrow dimension of the rectangular room and placed them against the front wall. In terms of sound quality, it was night and day in sound quality compared to 1/3 in the room placement. But, after all is said and done, with a well set-up and tuned system with quality cherry picked input sources and program material, there's nothing like these speakers. David, I wish you good luck with your choices. FM

@ DavidR, well then lil' Doggie, if the itch needs to be scratched........I'm still waiting for a local seller as since I've owned these unwieldy AR boxes, I've moved them 5 times. Twice up and down stairs, and from Manhattan to 3 residences other times. Mushed knuckles and elbows etc. Each time it was a definitely a short work-out. I figured in one move, I lift out of one place to another that would be a total of 720 lbs. Then I've had them in an elevator 4 times and had to rest and load one at a time on my knees and then press the floor-button each time, -crazy stuff. And at those times my age ranged from 37 to 60 years old, I'm not excited about moving them these days. Retirement can be harmful due the lack of 'He-Man' activity which when younger I was 'Hero-Man' so..... Wait, I've got two in mothballs so, that's 6 LST's. A oneway move would be back and forth a total of 1080 lbs. Hey, wanna help me? Earphone and small speaker folks have no idea. Does Medicare cover moving six 'LST's? Before I got into the house I placed each one onto a dolly. The lifting off the dolly was a stretch and then to place the top LST on top of the bottom one already in place was another stretch. A whole lotta stretching going on...... Lately, I seldom ever challenge the FMN-2 fuses simply because of the hassle of changing them. In turn the volume levels are a bit lower these days for that reason, but not by much as I've learned their limits and how far I can push my amps and speakers. It use to be; damn the torpedos, I mean voice-coils, and blasted away with almost reckless abandon (an exaggeration). Luckily, these LST's do soak-up a lot of wattage and I can tell when they're at their safe operating limits. Nonetheless, I'm still a firm believer in high-power as an essential component when using these watt gluttons. It's the only way to go. I think I've made that point quite clear in my 19 year membership of being on this forum. FM 174

Here's a chance for someone to join the exclusive LST club. Starting price of $2,995. and I feel it may not go much higher but, these days almost anything is possible. And just like your daily vitamin, don't forget to use the requisite high power. Rare Vintage Acoustic Research AR - LST Speakers for Sale. https://www.ebay.com/itm/304752395407?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true 128

I missed that post. I will be keeping my eyes open for the other 2874. Given there're others out there in the wild in other's possession, along with a number that were probably trashed and thrown out and much like the 'Classic American Car' market that I'm somewhat aware of, they'll be lesser condition and lesser opportunities for discovery. As an owner of classic AR's since 1971 my street worthy AR-eagle-eyes have not in any way become diminished as I'm always looking at healthy trash piles as I drive by. That is a attribute I acquired living in Manhattan and Brooklyn where major numbers of the population dwell, giving a bigger chance for discovery. However, in reality I've reached the AR summit and I'm quite happy and satisfied with the present collection. On the other hand, that won't prevent me from stopping and loading up the car if a sighting is made somewhere off in the distance.

I can't answer the last question of yours about numbers of AR-LST's built however, mine are in the range of 576, 571 etc, etc. numbers. And with those low numbers so, I'm thinking they were part of the first-run or were within the first few months of production. Some one here once put out a number of 1500 but, didn't specify if that was pairs or individual units. I came upon my LST's in 1987, as I was about 37 years old, though I had already given up on the opportunity of ever owning LST's long before then but, I was shocked as they sat on a wooden pallet in front of me being unloaded off a truck. I do recall telling the guy on the truck they were very rare and expensive he just shrugged his shoulders. I waited for his boss to come back down to street level when I approached him about a sale price. When I spoke to the gentleman he wanted to actually sell the five of them or trash them as he was unsure of their fate but, his price was too high for my pockets. As I recall he didn't know anything about them but, said that they looked like they might be worth something. Besides he wasn't knowledgeable of their history/fame or that they were first released in 1972 to 1976. He simply wanted to unload them and as he stated they were pulled out of a theater or a museum, he wasn't sure. I waited about 5 or so months and when I saw the fella again, he made me a reasonable offer and I accepted. I was life-long rewarded with five LST's of which one was badly bruised and battered from which I removed the nine drivers and X-over board and stored those drivers. The others all needed a refoam of course and many of the tweeter domes were pushed in. Most corners were good and there weren't any original grills included. In 2005 I purchased a full set of grills from Larry at "Vintage-AR" for the four I retained. However, I prefer to use them without the original grills and have precisely cut fiberglass black window screening that replace the grills and are fasten by catching to the original velcro cabinet fasteners. I use black screening because when I saw a pair at "Singer-Sound" in 1991 of Mark Levinson's LST's with a use price of $8,500.00 that had black screening also. I felt they looked very cool and add a more modern look to them. I guess at some point I'll install the white fabric grills? It wasn't until 1989 that I installed them in my living room and with-in weeks my wife at the time proceeded to blow out the remaining tweeters with her dance exercise and loud volumes and some nasty quality cassettes while I wasn't there. 'TIP': one can blow those weak tweeters even if the 'FMN-2' fuse remains intact. I hope as they say; 'There's nothing new under the sun' and with the surprise re-release of the KLH 5 that there is hope some one with a pocket full of cash, is tech-savy and with a production facility that there's a glimmer of hope at some point LST's will be made again. Though, in all honesty when I captured mine back in 1987 I strongly felt my prize was getting these in my hands and that I was never, ever letting them go because I felt they were an object that comes along only once in a lifetime-sort of like that one female you lost long ago that became the one by which all after her were compared to and yet none others ever matched completely. Ah, such is life. FM P.S. If by some bizarre out of this world occurrence the LST are once again manufactured, I don't doubt they'll be in the $10,000.+ range a pair easily. And I can SAY that simply because I avidly read both TAS and Stereophool and get an idea of prices there as the high end and exotic stuff has increased to insane levels. And as I've indicated before, I've seen the Mark Levinson versions with all AR drivers used for $8,500. back in 1991. I can imagine they'd be in the same cost range as other high-end speakers and that audience is to be determined. Would I buy a new pair? I'd say no as I have the originals and that in of itself means loads of pride of ownership, though it would sure be tempting. 64

12/12/2022 Experience told me in 1974 that for 3 or so years I felt my AR-3a’s purchased in 1971 felt a little lean in the bass region and also across the rest of the frequency spectrum in general. Hearing and auditioning speakers in stores or hearing friends set-ups just wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more realism. Enter the need for more wattage. So, having struggled with and fooling myself that 60 watts RMS per channel was enough for 3 years had to change and I did that by buying into more wattage-as simple as that. I quickly learned back in 1971 that my AR-3a’s were coming across as anemic whenever I turned up the volume. Sure they could be loud but, so could the TV and my parents stereo. I wanted a more realism of bass slam, sizzle of cymbal, richness in voices and more depth over-all. Your amps advertised 130WPC would be enough to get loud but, it won’t fully provide the realism of a real concert or performance. And don’t get me wrong, it’ll never be as loud as a full orchestra, but we’re not looking for a commercial hall/auditorium levels but, a reasonable facsimile. Loud for some means it sounds correct therefore they’re satisfied. Loud can be irritating an d fatiguing very easily. Many here will not admit to what I just stated but, they can go-on and continue to delude themselves, I chose not to. In 1974, I bought 400WPC RMS@4ohms* and since have always known that more is better and having reserve power on tap was just allowing all that passed through that amp seem that much more effortless and natural. I drive my AR-9’s with 700 WPC. I don’t need to hear about guys (and you know who you are), who dumbly say, “well, it’s 50 WPC but benches at 70WPC”. Oh really? Whoopi-do. Regardless of the over abundance of novice opinions that pervade the web, on the contrary there is no substitute for high power. But, Lance, whether or not your amps will sustain the power demands or even be enough for an AR-9 type of speaker is purely up to you. If your tastes run along quiet-listening then, why own AR-9’s? Or impressive to knock you off your feet is a matter of desire and finances, purely. But even then when I considered that aspect, I figured it was better to have more than not having enough, especially when the mood or program material demands it. Good luck for you whichever route you take. FM * Proceed at your own possible peril as destroying tweeters must be considered also when wattage goes up. Reasonable common sense on the volume control is required. Auxiliary tweeter arrays must be considered when planning on rocking out, every-time! Luckily, AR midranges and woofers are quite hardy. ** Two sound samples scroll down top and middle of page, using double (4 AR-LST's). https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/10649-do-ar-speakers-really-sound-that-good-more-new-video/ 25

Say AR-surround, did you do the train layout? That's some fine work there and a lot of man hours.

AR-Surround, no need to be sorry, that’s good clean fun. And after seeing the elaborate system you’ve set up it’s apparent you know what you’re doing. So, everything is hunky-dory, oakie-doakie? We should all be able to absorb and learn as the directive. You and I, and I bet Tom T. have enough to be able to take it all in our stride and laugh and make light of it. I myself thank you for your response when you first posted a “Six-LST” system which made me not only laugh hardily but added encouragement to the real possibility of doing such a system. If and when I finally do fully use my options to set up all 3 sets of AR-LST’s, which I could do this afternoon if I were so inclined, you and Tom T. will be the first to know. Maybe when we finally get together, you’ll help me lift the heavy LST’s and be the first to enjoy the experience of it all. As this thread is about the mighty AR-9, that’ll be where my next efforts will be. The room where they reside needs to be addressed first. Then, it’s balls to the wall. FM P.S. Then again Tom Tyson, if you missed this post from Dec. 2021? Perhaps three LST's per-side is not so far fetched? https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/15258-four-ar-lsts-per-side/ 1.6

https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/14790-the-development-of-the-ar9-loudspeaker/page/2/#comments Hi Tom Tyson, just to be clear I’m not or at least haven’t set up three sets of AR-LST’s just yet. What you are seeing is a bit of “AR-Surround’s” trickery using a foto-editing app. It was from another post months ago if you’ve missed it. Thanks for complement and the system is impressive for the eyes and certainly impressive sound quality. A culmination of time and experience with AR-3a's since 1971. Issues like elevating myself with a LST cabinet in hands about 6 feet to be placed on top of the second speaker cabinet. Logistics such as balance while using a single ladder. I’m under 200lbs. or so, the LST is about 90 or so lbs… most home ladders don’t support more than 300 lbs. and I wouldn’t attempt working at the ladder’s limits. Fusing changing would be absolutely dangerous as the speakers are close to the front wall and need to be pivoted, and that would be a very perilous task. Otherwise I have an identical PL-700 amp ready to be pulled from my AR-9’s and give them double PL-400’s in place of the PL-700. Other regards are that even with just four LST’s with very high amplifier power at higher volumes with suitable program material the room becomes pressurized as it is. I myself can only imagine what the rendered sound effect would be with six LST’s plying their power levels through the air backed by high wattage. All things considered it might be too much for the room being used but, a very exciting possibility just waiting to happen. See amateur video: https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/10649-do-ar-speakers-really-sound-that-good-more-new-video/ FM