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AR 18LS for free… worth restoring?


killsapo

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Hi precious forumers,

I just rescued a pair of old AR 18LS, that (together with a Technics SU-8044 and a Pioneer PL5) should build my initial budget setup to listen to some old rock vinyls.

Are those speakers worth refoaming and checking (for approx 100€), and how those compare to newer fancier budget speakers like i.e. Elac Debut B5, Mission  LX2 or Q Acoustics 3020i (which I eyed before scoring this pair of AR's)? Pardon my noobiness, and thanks ;) 

 

Seems like I can't upload pics, so here's an external gallery for y'all https://imgur.com/a/VH18E3O

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Welcome to the forum. Pics can be uploaded easily: keep file size small (100KB) and use jpg format works for me.

Those are great little speakers - - they are the Euro version of the AR-18s that were sold in the USA. Replace the foams and the single 5uF cap (simplest crossover ever) and you'll be very pleasantly surprised. The tweeters  are terrific and the bass output is impressive.

This thread discusses the AR-18s. http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Board/index.php?/topic/9699-ar-18s-speakers/ 

I am unable to comment on the other gear.

 

AR-18LS v2.jpg

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18 hours ago, ra.ra said:

Welcome to the forum. Pics can be uploaded easily: keep file size small (100KB) and use jpg format works for me.

Those are great little speakers - - they are the Euro version of the AR-18s that were sold in the USA. Replace the foams and the single 5uF cap (simplest crossover ever) and you'll be very pleasantly surprised. The tweeters  are terrific and the bass output is impressive.

This thread discusses the AR-18s. http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Board/index.php?/topic/9699-ar-18s-speakers/ 

I am unable to comment on the other gear.

 

AR-18LS v2.jpg

Thanks, I think I'll setup an appointment with one of the best “speakers doctors” in Milan, then… Ciao!

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ra.ra gave you a good advice: replace only the deteriorated foam with new and appropriate and replace the 5 mF capacitors and you will have an excellent and well-sounding pair of AR18LS assembled in the UK with US components.

Giorgio

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