Guest Tube747 Posted December 9, 2004 Report Share Posted December 9, 2004 I am thinking to build the AR-3a from scratch, anyone have the drawings of AR-3a cabinet can share? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dynaco_dan Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 >I am thinking to build the AR-3a from scratch, anyone have>the drawings of AR-3a cabinet can share? Thanks!HelloThat would be a great project.I believe the original cabinets were all plywood and not just ordinary plywood either. I believe there were multiple layers rather than the ply we would normally buy at a lumber yard.There is internal bracing to the cabinet.A large crossver network to assemble.Do you already have the AR original drivers?Do you already have the crossover components?There has been 3 or 4 different woofers models since day one.The tweeters and midranges have also seen modifications and alterations since day one.The crossovers have been changed in values over time as well.There is, I believe, an AR3a schematic on this site already or I will be downloading a copy here in a few weeks.You will be getting some very fine advice, from the many very knowledgeble members as they come on line and see your question.MDF is a possible alternate construction material, I have not personaly ever used it.After me saying all this, have you given thought to checking out ebay for good used AR3a speakers?Already made, assembled and proven.A pair may be very attractively priced locally as well.It is of my opinion, that, you can build a stronger, less resonant enclosure and have a great feeling of accomplishment, but it will be expensive as you will find out. Assuming you want new drivers.Buying used drivers on ebay is another alternative.In reading, there is always someone reaching, for that elusive better quality sound, that is just out of reach.A local woman buys wool and knits a sweater and she can't sell the sweater for the price of the wool.You may be able to pick up used AR3a's at a very attractive price and you can refinish the cabinets as well.Choices, you are so lucky to have found this site and asked this question.Just wait untill you start getting some of the more interesting members trying their hand to help you, with some of the very best help in the world, bar none. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest russwollman Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 This will be an interesting and demanding project, and you'll likely learn a bit from it. I understand your inclination very well.A few months ago, I built a number of shelf units from simple, inexpensive materials, 2x4s and maple plywood. As the project progressed, new ideas and challenges emerged, and I came up with nice design that works and elicits appreciation from friends. I could never have found what I built in any store.The big thing is, anyone can go shopping, find the goods, and drop the bucks; it doesn't require much imagination.The process of creating and doing will likely bring a unique reward. It engages the mind and hands and, ultimately, also the heart. What you'll have when you're done will mean a great deal more to you than even the most remarkable bargain you could scoop from eBay.So damn the economics—full speed ahead. The joy is in the doing. I have some experience and will be happy to help you as I am able. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tube747 Posted December 16, 2004 Report Share Posted December 16, 2004 >>I am thinking to build the AR-3a from scratch, anyone have>>the drawings of AR-3a cabinet can share? Thanks!>>>Hello>>That would be a great project.>>I believe the original cabinets were all plywood and not just>ordinary plywood either. I believe there were multiple layers>rather than the ply we would normally buy at a lumber yard.>>There is internal bracing to the cabinet.>I know a guy who knows what I want and know very well about the AR-3a, who can custom build a speaker cabinet by using Spruce. This is what he does for living.>A large crossver network to assemble.>I'm going to replace the capacitor by putting Auricaps and using a higher quality coil anyway.>Do you already have the AR original drivers?>I have a hard time to choose where I buying from -- Simply Speakers or Layne?>Do you already have the crossover components?>Most of them.>There has been 3 or 4 different woofers models since day one.>>The tweeters and midranges have also seen modifications and>alterations since day one.>I still trying to find out the answer of this issue.>The crossovers have been changed in values over time as well.>>There is, I believe, an AR3a schematic on this site already or>I will be downloading a copy here in a few weeks.>>You will be getting some very fine advice, from the many very>knowledgeble members as they come on line and see your>question.>This is what I hope for other members can jump in and give me a hand.>MDF is a possible alternate construction material, I have not>personaly ever used it.>Like I said, I want to try Spruce.>After me saying all this, have you given thought to checking>out ebay for good used AR3a speakers?>Most of the ebay AR-3a is in poor condition. Maybe I will if I see one with good condition. I really appreciate your suggestion.>Already made, assembled and proven.>>A pair may be very attractively priced locally as well.>>It is of my opinion, that, you can build a stronger, less>resonant enclosure and have a great feeling of accomplishment,>but it will be expensive as you will find out. >>Assuming you want new drivers.>>Buying used drivers on ebay is another alternative.>>In reading, there is always someone reaching, for that elusive>better quality sound, that is just out of reach.>>A local woman buys wool and knits a sweater and she can't sell>the sweater for the price of the wool.>>You may be able to pick up used AR3a's at a very attractive>price and you can refinish the cabinets as well.>>Choices, you are so lucky to have found this site and asked>this question.>>Just wait untill you start getting some of the more>interesting members trying their hand to help you, with some>of the very best help in the world, bar none. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tube747 Posted December 16, 2004 Report Share Posted December 16, 2004 This is exactly want to do is making a speaker that sounds good and even better.I have some questions for you. Wish you can help 1) I saw both simply speaker and Layne Audio selling AR-3a replacement drivers. Which one is best to buy from? 2) Do you have the orginal AR-3a cabinet drawings can share with me?Thank you! >This will be an interesting and demanding project, and you'll>likely learn a bit from it. I understand your inclination>very well.>>A few months ago, I built a number of shelf units from simple,>inexpensive materials, 2x4s and maple plywood. As the project>progressed, new ideas and challenges emerged, and I came up>with nice design that works and elicits appreciation from>friends. I could never have found what I built in any store.>>The big thing is, anyone can go shopping, find the goods, and>drop the bucks; it doesn't require much imagination.>>The process of creating and doing will likely bring a unique>reward. It engages the mind and hands and, ultimately, also>the heart. What you'll have when you're done will mean a great>deal more to you than even the most remarkable bargain you>could scoop from eBay.>>So damn the economics—full speed ahead. The joy is in the>doing. I have some experience and will be happy to help you as>I am able. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest russwollman Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 Hi, Tube. Are you directing your question toward me? I'll answer as best I can.I don't have AR3a cabinet drawings. I'd share them if I did. About simplyspeakers and Layne Audio—Layne Audio is very difficult to reach but the fellow there is knowledgeable and helpful. He is a solo operation, I think.Simplyspeakers can be reached more easily. They are a larger business and operate in a more conventional, businesslike fashion.Whatever you buy, make sure you can return it.As usual, eBay may be the best source for some things. Search using "AR" and "Acoustic Research". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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