frankmarsi

"exceptional sparkling highs never harsh, quite electrostatic" For me and probably the masses, AR's are anything but that although I agree about not being 'harsh' though certainly not "electrostatic" like "sparkling highs", though maybe on a good day. Also, when folks talk about their speakers, I believe it to be helpful to also describe the rest of their set-up as a point of reference. Where on the roster of sound quality does the whole set-up sit? Is it a $1000. or $3,000. amplifier or pre-amp. Was the personal opinion based on a $100. phono cartridge or a $3,000. cartridge. Was the turntable very old with poor resolution or one with an precision high quality tonearm that was properly set-up. Was the CD player a $200. unit or a $2,000. player? Are there better cables and interconnects or the really cheap ones that come with the unit or of truly high-quality? All these items do make a huge difference. Also of major importance is the proper attention made in terms of room-placement. Mind you, I'm not professing that any one here must spend oodles of money on such stuff as is done in the world of 'high-end', most here sadly do not but, cables and components must be at least of a better quality standard before any unqualified opinions can be taken as absolute truth as opinions are biased and not objective. This information as it's always helpful for members to describe in text or with fotos showing what their set-ups are composed of to be able to know what level of sound quality described. Otherwise it's a bunch of bunk. Being a member here for almost 17 years the consensus seems to be many of the imperative and necessary steps are generally not taken as many simply throw speakers into a room and are content with that. As an owner and ardent fan of AR speakers for 50 years I have always been concerned with taking the requisite steps to make my system sound as good as it can. For me, all of the inputs, cables etc. I use add up to making my system be all it is capable of being. Many on the internet speak with such exaggerated statements made about their sound-quality until you become aware of the rest of the set-up and then you realize they're talking through their hats and actually have no real premise of which to speak. This is obvious why the majority do not post fotos of their set-ups. Some actually believe if they have AR speakers then their set-up must sound good and are content with that. Sadly, that is not the way to better listening and surprisingly still exists long after hi-fi became a worthy and fun experience years ago. Simply put, the more effort, expense and self-learning one puts into their system the better it will sound. Almost anything flies on the internet but, for maximum pleasure one must arm themselves with knowledge of the field of high-fidelity before they can accurately speak about 'sound-quality'.

Locate the exact measurements or make the measurements yourself then, locate a friend who has a good 3d printing set-up.

Hello Sonnar, your post will certainly inspire members to come forth. I myself never heard an AR speaker described like that.

Yes, they probably are because the cabinets look to be that yellowish oak option the later version Amati's had. And those stands look like the granite ones offered also.

Hi DavidR, that foto is not mine. I posted that foto here a decade ago or so. I posted it because even though it looks so impressive I'm almost certain that the pictured set-up is not the best for these speakers. Then again, I don't know all of the particulars. There appears to be at least four huge monster amps behind the speakers and perhaps there's a sub-woofer or two in the background? There's also some heavy looking cabling to the speakers. Ultimately, I wouldn't know unless I was there and heard them but that's not going to happen. Giving the benefit of the doubt here, they must sound magnificent. These speakers as almost every AR speaker benefit the most from being against the front wall. I've tried a few configurations and against the wall provides the ultimate bass response whereas mid-room bass seemed to disappear. In terms of the location of that foto. It appears to be a TV/film studio because of the large 'flats' against the wall and black curtains seen about in addition to the high ceilings and large entrance doors and overhead industrial lights. My conclusion is this is a professional or stage set-up maybe used for sound reinforcement of stage or TV production/editing. Of course this further attests to the high quality of these speakers. So yes, that foto is an impressive site to see. We've already discussed that with my 3 sets of LST's and my three PL-700 Series II amplifiers so, in terms of equipment ability I would have no problem setting up an similar type of system. One immediate issue is setting up a safe platform which would facilitate placing the 90 pound cabinet on top of the two LST's I already in place. Hooking cables behind it is a whole other precarious proposition. In the event of fuse replacement, it's another difficult situation as those fuses are tough to pull at such a height. Ultimately, I decided it was too dangerous in a 'home' situation. But yes, the possible option gnaws at me to attempt it at some point like site-member "ARsurround" wants me to try. I love my system and music to untold degrees but, not enough to have an almost 100lb. speaker fall on top of me with two others careening down crushing my gentle little body. Though, since "ARsurround" is probably only an hour or so driving distance away, I may ask him to come over and help.

I've always had mine set-up as shown. I've read and there seems to be both opinions as being satisfactory. Though, I do agree and it makes more sense to have the tweeters grouped together affording more focus as you've stated. I may try it at some point but, the system sounds so magnificently wonderful as it is, no sense on fixing it if ain't broken. Besides, these cabinets are extremely difficult to move around. AR-3a's are a chore to move, LST's are a major project. The most important is using high-power amplification. I for 5 years used two PL-400's with 400 watts RMS per-channel and they sounded unbelievably good. With 700 watts per-channel the situation is launching oneself into the stratosphere while gazing upwards. I can attest that the full appreciation-factor is not realized unless they're heard with the higher power. These behemoths soak-up power like no other and the more they have, the more they benefit from. Being on this forum, I know most don't find any credibility in my stressing this point for the almost 17 years that I've been saying it but, one doesn't know until one hears it, do one? The other most important factor is the attention and money spent of quality 'input' components. There's no consideration given to middle road pre-amps or low quality CD or vinyl sources as these speakers are very revealing to all 'upstream' components inline. The first time I experienced the use of higher power with them, I walked around for more than a week feeling thunder-struck and certainly every time I listen to them.

I like to pride myself with knowing that I'm one of the few who are so lucky to own and listen to the first version of these speakers in my main system. This later version of speakers shown below were offered after AR discontinued the remarkably famous AR-LST ending in 1976. These were the first issue that “Mark Levinson ” produced these using all the same AR drivers and only mildly massaging the cross-over as one of the only changes. So, other than the X-over being slightly changed, these are for all intents exactly like the original LST. Later on, they were offered with 'Dynaudio' drivers increasing the price and probably sounding a smidgen different, though there are those that have heard both and still prefer them with the original AR drivers. With the newer drivers, their power-handling no doubt increased. I could understand, I’ve burned-out all 16 tweeters in mine years ago The pictured granite stands were also offered by M.L. and were insanely priced. First time I saw them @ ‘Singer’ outlet on B’way (NYC) they wanted $8,500. for a used singular pair in 1991. When I asked for a better price, I was told maybe a few hundred could be discounted. I recall walking away full well knowing I had two pairs at home though, I was still shocked by the asking price. Now, I wonder if anyone here would be the new owner of these? Me? I already own three (3) pairs and I haven’t installed the third set yet in my planned ‘music room’ which is 20 X13 X 8. This other room will include my guitars, basses, amps, etc. I’m doing this because I’ve returned to playing and even though I forgot many, many things about playing and the going is slow, it’s a great pastime. Though, ‘Old dog, new tricks’ is no lie. It’s more difficult for me presently as compared to 57 years ago when I started learning and playing in 1964 and I was in a number of bands enjoying that whole scene in that era.* https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-CELLO-AMATI-Speakers-Piano-Black-By-Mark-Levinson-/324323891943?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10 P.S. If this guy was actually using that tired Mac amp (?) for all four, I’d not enjoy to hear these as in no way is that anywhere near the optimal route in terms of power. I use two Phase Linear Series II PL-700, 1980 rebuilt amps that double their 360 watts @8 ohms RMS per-channel up to 700 watts RMS per-channel @ 4 ohms so, I can tell you, I’ve been to the mountain top. *I still have in good condition my original “Beatle” boots I purchased back then in late 1964, and my original ‘Nehru' shirt and hip-hugger pin-striped bell bottoms from 1968. Also in daily life in early 1968 I had the long-hair and wore 'love-beads' with a couple of bracelets and rings. The later bands even had our own group of 'groupies'. Great fun and times in a note worthy time that was like no other since. Below Not my speakers swiped from web.

Eggs-actly! Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. But, as I recall, a friends new in 1978-79 AR-11's, had one smooth circular piece and covered the screws.

I believe AR55 and lance G are talking about the foam ‘trim-ring’ ala original AR-11 woofer trim. This is what I believe ARMan is saying also. I’ve seen 1/16” and thicker at hobby/craft stores and it’s inexpensive. Sometimes it’s also available in different colors. I purchased 2 sheets of it at about 20” X 12” in black and dark gray in preparation for cutting out 12” X 1/2” circles to cosmetically cover my woofer outer ring. The difficulty I fore see is the cutting of 'foam', the thicker it is, the less quality of cut can be made from my experience. In my thinking it shouldn’t be attached too firmly as it would present further difficulty whenever one has to remove the woofer so, I think small pieces of thin double-sided tape maybe near each screw head would facilitate easier removal.

I did a quick search as what looks like these same exact speakers are on other sites and are for sale by others. Alby T, are you the current owner?

They're not that popular in the USA and usually available abroad where I feel they're over-priced Japan.

I have been listening to the AR-LST speaker system since 1989 after acquiring my set of five in mid 1987. That’s almost 32 years ago now and I’ve seen, read and heard stories about people attempting to replicate the LST speaker. Fat-Chance. I've been an avid AR owner/aficionado since 1971, 50 years of AR sound in my life so, I'm not parroting newly discovered information off of the internet nor was I educated about such matters through the internet, for me, it's all first-hand as a 'user' and avid electronic-buff since childhood. So, started production in 1972 and I wasn't able to hear them until 1989, that's a 17 year wait. Attempting to replicate, imitate or approximate AR-LST on one's own is an exercise in futility. I’ve never heard, seen of read about any success stories regarding such a fool hardy attempt though some think they can.The only way is to be a devoted AR-LST hunter and with cash in hand, find them or a set of two pair, use the requisite high power and quality amplification and then, one can truly enjoy themselves. Otherwise, there’s no duplicating their glorious and beautiful sound quality. If I’m not mistaken only 1500 pair were made. There’s an additional rumor that maybe 3000 pairs were made, or maybe it was 1500 or 3000 individual cabinets that were made as the truth about these has always been elusive at best. The true number has not been confirmed one way or the other although, I’ve asked here a few years ago but, the number wasn't a definite certainty. So, elusive, wonderful sounding, and expensive requiring strict and proper room placement and in the AR classic-period, AR’s ‘TOTL’ is something few fortunate individuals will experience by acquiring a pair or two. P.S. But, one never knows, do one? And hope springs eternal, doesn't it? I dreamed about owning even just a single pair since they were first offered in 1972. It was like forcing yourself to forget about a beautifully attractive and desirable woman you passed by on the sidewalk knowing you will never, ever have a chance to experience the glorious enjoyment of her company. I myself had to bargain and re-bargain many times until the price I paid was acceptable to my budget at that time. Now, I’m the ultra-proud owner of three pairs and the two pair I use regularly are and have been the answer to my dreams since. So, it’ll forever be a dream unless one makes a concerted effort both monetarily and being able to commit to the proper room placement/set-up and the high power they require.

How you refinish the exterior of these speakers should be entirely up to you as you'll be the one spending time with them. Questions are where and how will they be used, in a studio, a stage setting or a home setting, you haven't offered up enough particulars about these pertinent matters. Additionally, are the innards operable? What type of system and amplifiers will you be using. Are those cabinets up to any task you may have in mind? The first and last time I saw this make of speakers in use was sometime in 1971 when a close friend of mine invited me as a guest to "Electric Lady Studio" in New York city. His band was as they say 'laying down some tracks' for a demo his band was doing to be presented to record producers for consideration. I don't recall their sound quality enough to be able to comment or discuss though, besides, we were all pretty whipped. I don't recall any bad memories about them and know they were used by many major studios and companies as the studio-standard in those days. In new and complete condition, they were beautiful to behold and looked impressive mounted in a wall as most were installed. If one were musically active in those days, you'd know Jimi Hendrix himself began operation of that studio company, and if I'm not mistaken there were a couple of more locations that operated also after his passing in September, 1970. I was quite thrilled to be in the same studio where many greats recorded their music. Ya see, that's about 50 years ago and in and around the same time I purchased my first pair of AR-3a speakers. That's a lot of water that passed under my musical-bridge since and before. https://studiofilter.com/studio/electric-lady-studios/room/studio-b/

Although I'm more than satisfied with what I've chosen and use as my favorite tone arms, no harm in considering others. I'm curious as there were two models, one more costly than the other, the 'Standard' and the 'Phonomac' which do you have, how would you describe its particulars/performance?

Hi reza, I agree your AT-1010 arm is better suited for a low compliance cartridges as it is a heavier arm. I use a Benz Micro Gull-Wing (shown above), which weighs in at 12.2 grams plus a 9 gram "Orsonic" headshell on my S.M.E. 3009’s and use a additional factory counter-weight so, I have no problems. Better quality Audio-Technica cart. cables round out the combination with a custom made high-quality cable from tone-arm to a Denon AU-340 SUT. The resulting sound is blissfully sublime and it occupies the place of best sounding table and arm in system #1. In system#2, I use Dynavector 505 tone arms with one of them tracking with a Ortofon Cadenza Blue which weighs in at 11 grams though, I know it’ll handle even heavier cartridges. Contrary to what the non-cognoscenti think, the more I spend for better cartridges and tone-arms, cables the better the sound is. Duh. Sadly, some folks don’t agree and accept inferior sound quality as their normal, never realizing how important better quality 'input' components and accompanying better cables are. Some think as long as they have AR speakers, everything is perfect never knowing that the 'input' is just as important as the last component in the chain. See a few of favorite my arms here: https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/9747-i-just-wish-members-here-would-show-us-photos-of-their-set-ups-and-listening-rooms/

Nice empty boxes. LOL Let's see the speakers and certainly the AT1100 tonearm as I once considered it. How do you judge this arm, what do you think of it?

https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/forum/11-members-pictures-speakers-electronics-etc/

@ arken, regarding you mentioning the Fisher 400 vintage tube receiver. I strongly recommend a much higher power amplifier. These are AR-LST speakers and are known as super-power hungry. With the receiver you mentioned you won't be receiving 25% of what these speakers are capable of and further more stand a high risk of damaging the tweeters quite easily. I drive each of the two sets of LST's I use with way over 550 watts RMS power per-channel for each pair (550+ X 4 channels). Many folks haven't any idea of what these speakers and system sound like but, depending on the size and quality of your computer speakers this video will give a very small sample taste. Regarding the 'fuses', I'd recommend applying a very light coating of a contact cleaner to the clips that hold the fuse and the ends of the fuse itself. This fuse/clip contact area is prone to oxidation in a very short amount of time.

Una cosi' tanto bene!

Yes I do, yes I do.

I'm out.

@ Jim P. Show us a photo of what you're using in room used so we'll all have a better idea. And as I suggested early on, use a 'variac' or the 'light-bulb switch' method which is actually better. With that amp I would think an 8 or 10 AMP variac would be sufficient. Ultimately, if your experience is limited or non-existent, do as others have said, seek qualified help.

I've said it numerous times. I didn't fully realize what the AR-3a 12" woofer could do in terms of phenomenal bass response until I first hooked up a new Phase Linear PL-400 amplifier in mid 1974. It offered 210 watts RMS @ 8 ohms per-side, double that at 4 ohms.It had opened up a whole new world of high-quality with a new crispness in the highs, intense depth, strong solid bass, separation of tonal qualities of each instrument, and an amazing sense of 'real' to my system. All of those who insist on using anything less are short-sighted. And gee, that was 46 years ago, ""C'mon man"". With-in a short time I was further made to understand what a hardy, strong and powerful performer the AR-3a midrange speaker was in handling all of those watts. Before that I also used the ST-120 to drive my 3as and it sounded basically lackluster. When I approached moderately 'loud-ish' volume levels 'acoustic-feedback' would show its ugly face. Not fun and I started saving for something else and in that period the 'muscle-amp-era' was just becoming popular. But that ST-120 amplifier made me suffer and chomp at the bit about wanting to own the recent developments of the 'super-power' amps as they were referred to. Now, I push 16 tweeters at one time and those mids are simply amazing as they are able to soak up and output gobs of power with-out flinching in the slightest. The sole biggest difference between the AR-2ax and the AR-5 is the AR-5 has the better midrange speaker. And Jim, at the risk of discouraging you, you can receive all kinds of replies here and elsewhere combined but, you won't be fully convinced or let down until you try things on your own but, no, I personally would not recommend pushing that amp as Jkent has indicated and for all of bad experiences I had with it.

Hi Jim, I had a ST-120 also, in 1972. I built it in kit form. I think it cost me $89. or $129. I don't recall. Although I would imagine other's had good service from it and I truly had great faith in the Dynaco brand as did "AR" but, my experience was one of the bad ones. This doesn't mean it's not a good amp but, when I used it with my AR-3a's in 1972, when deep bass was in a recording, I had to tell myself I was hearing it although, I was probably diluting myself because it was always very faint and slight in volume. I still have another one I bought used so I still have some faith in it though. I haven't used it since early 1983 and I won't take a chance unless I used a variac first. Personally, pushing that amp with 4 speakers might be a high risk. I believe others who may have had a better time at using it than I did might assist you and have a more positive reply. Here's another ST-120 link: https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/12086-dyna-stereo-one-twenty/

8-31-2020 Far be it from me to be a proponent of the use of receivers, much less of ever having owned one in my long time history in the world of high-fidelity since 1967. At 17 years old, I learned at an early stage of my hi-fi travels that the best way to go was with separate individual components. Having a separate pre-amp and amplifier offers more service dependability and reliability but, also offer the ability to change either or both amp and pre-amp in-order to upgrade whenever one chooses to. It’s like either buying your own home where you can change anything you want at anytime or by using a receiver it’s akin to renting a furnished monthly apartment that you simply occupy and have minimal options of change. In my early investigations in the world of high-fidelity, I chose early on that the separate components offered the most flexibility. The casual listener or person who choses not to delve the furthest they could venture to, opts to purchase a receiver, admittedly, I was not that sort of person. I wanted to grow with the hobby in my quest to get the best sound I possibility could according to what level my finances and knowledge afforded me so, I took the path of separate components. If the ‘OP’ is simply experimenting or thinking of options in the future, it is best to be cautious with how you hook-up the components and be watchful of temperatures and performance of the receiver being used because when stressing especially an amplifier, the ‘end’ of the experimentation can rear its ugly head in a split-second or quicker than an unexpected rogue fart. See my short post here: https://community.classicspeakerpages.net/topic/11312-ar-58s-rebuild/page/3/?tab=comments#comment-131209 This link may be of use: http://forums.audioreview.com/vintage-gear/what-vintage-receivers-handle-4-ohm-speakers-35724.html