Jump to content
The Classic Speaker Pages Discussion Forums

xpat

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    79

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by xpat

  2. sealing woofers properly

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    I've repaired a pair of AR5s, AR9s and AR6s.  I agree with JKent that the foam tape sold by Parts Express is a good option for the reason he mentioned.  Also, I found the tape fairly easy to install to get a nice air tight seal.  For the price, it is a steal ( I sealed all of the mentioned speakers with one roll and still have some left over.)

  3. Ar2ax capacitors?

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

      I have original AR5s and they still have the original capacitors.  I love the sound of the speakers and wouldn't think of changing the caps.  I did restore the pots a few years ago and they are still working fine.  If the 2ax sounds good to you, leave them alone and enjoy those classics.

  4. Sealed Speaker Design

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    I agree AR was way ahead of the curve - and at reasonable prices!   Another case in point is my original AR XA Turntable.   It has been in storage for approximately 20 years.  I just finished cleaning the platter and tonearm bearings and wells.  Then re-lubricated.   Played some vinyl and was taken back how good the turntable sounds.  It's almost on par with my "high end" turntable that cost 25 times more.   It surely was a golden age for stereo when the AR classics were produced.

  7. Speaker Cables

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    AR Surround,

    Your most recent comment is relevant to my listening situation as well.  More specifically:

    1)  I have always set the UMR controls to -3db on the AR9s.  Unfortunately, I don't have an EQ to tone down bright recordings even further.

    2)  Now that I have new longer cables, I moved the speakers out from the rear wall 4.5 feet.  They are 1 foot from the sidewalls with no toe in.  Your correct, moving the speakers made a great improvement in the sound.  

    3)  Also agree the AR5's are great speakers for classical music.  In my opinion, the timbre of the instruments can't be beat.  And yes, when I put on rock, I like more sizzle and almost always use the AR9s (or Sound Dynamics 300 TI's).  I've never been fortunate enough to hear a pair of AR3a speakers nor the AR LST.  Maybe someday my luck will change. 

  9. Speaker Cables

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    AR Surround

    Sorry for not replying sooner. 

    First and foremost,   I totally agree with you that moving the speakers can sometimes make a difference (sometimes a huge difference).  In answer to your question, when I switched to the Type 4 cable, I tried to put the speakers back exactly where they were before the change.   I've had these speakers since the 80's and probably have moved them in every conceivable space given the limitations of the room.  Since the day I bought the  AR9s, they always sounded somewhat sharp and forward in the midrange which would get tiresome after long listening sessions.  In fact, the AR9s  were not my "go to" speaker for classical music - instead I used my AR5s.  (The sharpness may be due to a mismatch with my amp - an Adcom GFA 555 II.  Amp sound is another topic for discussion).   With the new cables, the sharpness was toned down considerably and the speakers sound much better. 

  11. Speaker placement

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    I've found that room acoustics, treatments and speaker placement has a tremendous effect on the sound.  That's one reason I love this hobby - tweaking the room to see the effect. 

    I've had my AR5s close to the wall, on stands, in the corners etc.  In my particular environment, they sound best sitting on the floor.   They are 4.5 feet from the back wall and 16" from the side walls.   I have them tilted up ever so slightly using two ball bearings, covered by a wood flooring sample, and topped off  with some material from a company that sells cellular shades.   It's crazy but they sound the best with this configuration.   Enjoy the tweaking!

  12. Speaker Cables

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    I just upgraded my old speaker cables (Audioquest F14) to Audioquest Type 4.   I bought the Type 4s because I like to move my speakers around and didn't have a sufficient length of the F14 to meet my needs.  I didn't expect to hear a difference in sound, but was very pleasantly surprised.   My AR9s are punching out more bass,  high end details (cymbals etc.), and sound smoother.  I always thought cables were in the realm of someone selling you snake oil.  I guess your never to old to learn something new.  Will probably use the F14s on the front home theater speakers and get rid of the zip cord.

  14. Ideas for Updated AR Library Section

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    Hello all,

    I'm readying a major update to The Classic Speaker Pages. I could use help in two areas as I prepare the new AR section:

    1.) A concise 1-2 paragraph biography on AR

    2.) Ideas on how (if) I can better organize the various classic AR products

    I am going to post a similar message in the other forums and will be pinning this topic in each. I realize we already have some bios in the Library, but I want to take a shot at a new bio that all visitors to the AR section will see when they enter.

    Thanks,

    Mark

    Mark,

    I'm new to the classic speaker pages. I have a few brochures and marketing brochures for the AR5 and AR9 series. I haven't seen them in the library and was wondering if I should send them directly to you for posting (if interested). You have done a GREAT job from what I have seen so far.

    Regards,

    xpat

×
×
  • Create New...