DIYdude

decided to go ahead and pull the drivers whose surrounds are definitely toast. Not really foam so butyl it seems, but more thin and rigid than most I have seen; brittle. They are stamped made in Taiwan and D01-0062 57 2 TM (hard return between 0062 and the 57). Doubt this will be much help to me but checking anyway. Allowed me to measure internal dimensions and come up with .838 ft3. Again not sure if the hassle of getting the old surrounds off will be worth it vs just chucking an imperfectly matched new driver in. Or again playing with crossovers or even a new unvented baffle.... sorry for the newbie fishing for comments, just trying to decide on course of action. Maybe cheap surrounds and condemning them to garage is in order...and excuse to try something new

now that I'm poking around parts express, why not a powered (and wireless) amp module with dsp while I'm at it? lol

I guess that makes sense and no worries about mismatching, but not really an easier job than dropping a new driver in, along with the fact that there are some pretty good/upgrade replacement models out there if I can get the spec close. or even play with x-overs or whatever. That is why I mentioned that cabinets seemed pretty good. I kind of like the size too. With an 8" driver it is bigger than a baby bookshelf but not a big floorstander. I tend to prefer the sound of acoustic suspension like old ar's and my old Infinity's that sound pretty good with only a 5.25 or so and this one is ported, as mentioned (but front port which seems less boomy and wall friendly. Anyway, thanks for the rational response.

So I know these are not classic Acoustic Research; not even in any of the literature I could dig up. BUT, I feel guilty because I always underestimated them, most recently playing with a Sonos amp. Well, I finally dragged a big McIntosh monster amp out to play and these were all I had and wow, did I change my mind. Maybe not audiophile but sooo much better with proper amplification. So that led to some higher playing volumes--not crazy, but enough to push a good amount of air and start flexing the surrounds--that are now showing cracks and failure. After all, they are 25 years old or so. Anyway, in spite of their lack of prestige/legacy, I still want to repair them and was curious if people thought new surrounds or new drivers would be in order. It is an 8" woofer with a front port design for those less familiar with this not famous model. I will say that the cabinets seem pretty well constructed and they really are decent with proper amplification. Obviously would appreciate suggestions for drivers if indicated. thanks in advance