Mighty-Mite AR-7 Speaker

[dynaco_dan]

Hi there;

I will write a little bit about the smallest AR classic speaker model AR-7.

This little guy, weighing in at 11 pounds (5kg) each and being only 9 3/4" x 15 3/4" x 6 1/4" (247 x 400 x 146 mm deep) in size.

I don't have any sales figures or reviews to present, but, here goes anyways.

An 8 ohm system, in a enclosure of only 0.35 cu feet (9.77 litres).

With an 8" (203mm) acoustic suspension woofer, 25 hz free air resonance, 68hz in the enclosure and with a 1 1/4" (32mm) cone tweeter, comprises the speaker system complement.

The crossover is at 2,000hz and there is a high frequency level adjustment.

Suggested amplifier power of up to 100 watts per channel.

AR recommended a Bussmann FNM 6/10 amp slow blow fuse.

This, the same recommended size, as used for the following speakers,

AR-2X, AR-2A, AR-2AX, AR-4, AR-4X, AR-4XA, AR-6, and AR-8.

This places the little guy in with big company, as I see it.

Fused with the FNM 6/10 fuse, the power handling capacity is as follows, calculated on the basis of 8 ohms nominal impedance, 5.5 watts long-term average, 12.5 watts for 30 seconds and 29 watts for 10 seconds.

That seems fair enough for the little guy, Heh?

To some, it may appear, that the long term average, is too limited.

Remember, there are peaks with music reproduction, we are talking micro and milli-second duration in length, way, way shorter than one second.

During playback of a good quality recording, with an amplifier that is not clipping, and using the recommended, FNM 6/10 amp slow blow fuse, peaks in excess of 1,500 watts, with a duration of only 1/10 second or less can be obtained.

AR recommended the power handling capability and it could be used with amplifiers rated up to 100 watts continuous per channel, clipping less than 10% of the time, on normal music source material.

You can double that, as long as their duration does not exceed 2 milliseconds and are not the result of an amplifier clipping.

Do I now hear heavy bidding for ebay AR-7's?

You can't say AR speakers aren't robust.

You can also sub Littlefuse FLM 6/10 amp slow blow as equivalent fuses.

Do you appreciate the little guy a little more now?

[frankmarsi]

8-11-06

Hi Vern and all, I've been looking at a pair of AR-4x's on the 'bay'

and I've always heard of their scaled-down, but mellow sound being very palitable,and recently I visited another site and the people there love them.

My question is posed; after living closely with my AR-3a's and AR-2ax's and the past 16

with 4 LST's is there any possible valid reason for me to even want to have

these lil'guys even from a collector's stand point, or is it an insatiable greed factor for AR speakers I have and I'm in heat again?

Appealing to my sense of silliness, and some would agree that's rather vast in proportion, I'd like to have 'em cause they're so cute.

Any one have any further points of view?

Frank the crank Marsi

[JKent]

> is there any possible valid reason for me to even

>want to have

>these lil'guys even from a collector's stand point, or is it

>an insatiable greed factor for AR speakers I have and I'm in

>heat again?

I can relate.

I've never heard these, but they seem kind of neat, and I think they would make real nice surround speakers with bigger ARs up front. BUT...one of the appeals (for me) of the classic speakers is the real wood veneer. I love to sand and patch and oil, and get some beat up ol' speakers looking and sounding great. The sevens have vinyl cladding, which I do not like.

Now if I could peel the nasty contact paper off and apply some real wood veneer..............

[draftingmonkey]

Interesting write-up Vern (as you can see I am cheating and taking a break here at the office). I might have to keep and eye out for some 7's. Haven't seen any but they may be fun to compare to the A-10's I have.

Frank, as to looking at 4x's they are crap - so crappy that they should be sent to me to keep my other 4 crappy pairs happy. Don't waste your time.

All kidding aside, they actually are worth having in my opinion. I would like some LST's but they are a little out of my budget and haven't seen any around here. The niche that the 4x fits well in is space and cost. Great sound for a smaller outlay and need less room. The master bedroom is running 2 pair off a Fisher 800C-one pair on the bedside tables and another pair on the ledge over the wardrobes at the end of the room. With cathedral ceilings the sweet spot is in the middle of the bed which is great for relaxing in the bedroom and listening. Any bigger and I would not have had room for them. As for WAF the wife loves what she calls their warmsound. Another setup is the 4x's stacked with 2ax's (I find complimentary). I know others have said that the 3a's are much better than that combo (2 pairs of those BTW so I agree) but not every receiver/amp I own can handle 4 ohms. While not having the bass reach it is still a good combo and I am always surprised at how well they sound together.

So, no I don't think it would be a bad idea to pick up a pair if you have a chance. You will probably be happily surprised with them. Especially with how little space they take up in comparison to your LST's.

Or maybe we should both keep an eye out for some 7's.

Better get back to work now. Talk at you all later.

James

[Steve F]

The late-60’s/early-70’s triumvirate of the 4x-2ax-3a represented—-better than any other models did—-what the ‘Classic’ AR speakers were all about. Uncolored, clean, great bass, self-effacing, and as accurate within their price ranges as the day’s technology allowed.

Although later Classic speakers like the 5, 6, LST, and 7 (in that chronological order) were certainly wonderful products and fully deserving of their own enthusiastic following, it was the 4x, 2ax, and 3a that really defined and established the Classic AR reputation of that time period.

I’d say if you can find some nice 4x’s, go for it!

Steve F.

[ninohernes]

The AR-4x always amazes me. It is so small, yet it has such solid low end response. Its high end response is nothing to sneeze at either! The 4x is a great small speaker, and has many of the sonic attributes of its larger brothers.

[Guest Eunomians]

Nice AR-7 review.

I finally got a pair of AR7s (still in transit at this moment). I've been looking for a long time for a decent pair. I think that the diminuitve size is cute, and I already know that they have that famous vintage AR sound that I am so wholly enthralled with. I would like to pick up A-10s one day for similar reasons.

I plan on taking lots pf pics once I get the AR7s. I am also considering removing the vinyl finish and slapping on some real walnut veneer. I mean, why not? I already know that I'll never sell them

On another note, I highly recommend AR4x speakers. They are outstanding speakers dollar for dollar. Truly grand sound from such small enclosures. I recently sold my pair to a good friend. After he drove off with them in his truck I immediately went through AR4x withdrawals. So, I picked up another pair the following week! Can't live without 'em!

Cheers

[JKent]

>I plan on taking lots pf pics once I get the AR7s. I am also

>considering removing the vinyl finish and slapping on some

>real walnut veneer. I mean, why not? I already know that

>I'll never sell them

>

>On another note, I highly recommend AR4x speakers. They are

>outstanding speakers dollar for dollar. Truly grand sound

>from such small enclosures.

Let us know if you do remove the vinyl--I'd like to know how to do it, how difficult it is.

I'm loving my 4x's. Bought them in 1968. Recently they were in the attic, but I brought them down, refinished them, replaced the grille cloth, replaced the caps with Zens, replaced the pots with L-pads (won't do that again) and now they live happily flanking my 50" plasma. A little joke--40 year old speakers and 21st century TV. I recently restored some abused 2ax's and am waiting to install them in the rec room, where they will be augmented by my kit-built VMPS 15" subwoofer (overkill I'm sure). Have another pair of 4x's waiting to be restored. This time I'll clean the pots and use more authentic grille cloth. Live and learn, thanks to this forum.

Anyway, right now the surround speakers used with the AR4x's are Cambridge Soundworks "Ambiance" in solid oak (now discontinued). They're nice, and share a lineage with the ARs, but if I could get a pair of 7's and slap some real walnut veneer on them, that would be great!

[dynaco_dan]

Hi there;

It looks great.

[dynaco_dan]

>8-11-06

>Hi Vern and all, I've been looking at a pair of AR-4x's on the

>'bay'

>and I've always heard of their scaled-down, but mellow sound

>being very palitable,and recently I visited another site and

>the people there love them.

>My question is posed; after living closely with my AR-3a's and

>AR-2ax's and the past 16

>with 4 LST's is there any possible valid reason for me to even

>want to have

>these lil'guys even from a collector's stand point, or is it

>an insatiable greed factor for AR speakers I have and I'm in

>heat again?

>Appealing to my sense of silliness, and some would agree

>that's rather vast in proportion, I'd like to have 'em cause

>they're so cute.

>Any one have any further points of view?

>Frank the crank Marsi

Hi Frank;

I have seen the AR-7's go for $50.00 up to several hundred dollars a pair.

The also have a 3 position tweeter switch on the rear on the enclosure.

Vinyl coverings and grille cloths may be in rough condition for the ones on ebay.

Lee Valley sells a sheet of walnut veneer for about $60.00++ CDN here, plus all the labour of love, protecting the drivers, stripping the cabinets, veneering, and boiled linseed oil preservation.

I bought a pair locally for $5.00 plus 14% tax about 10 years ago from a SPCA thrift outlet.

I can't make any comment on their sound/value.

I would like to say that they are a classic AR speaker and would sound like a little brother of the AR-4X's, but I cannot.

The AR-4X's are a speaker, that I can, and have, commented on, numerous times.

I have written of my earliest experiences with them, several times.

My mouth is watering, as I re-call those experiences, all these many years later.

I have always felt that they offered, the best bang for the buck, but, I never lived with AR-6's or AR-7's, to even consider their place in the chain.

When I started this topic, I was trying to create an interesting and factual overview and keepsake for one of our fine members, D.

I did use information from our library and other notes as well.

Perhaps, I can do a similar topic on the AR-4X's, or can someone else?

Good luck.

[dynaco_dan]

Hi James;

The A-10's and AR-7's, are the babies of their respective brand of classic speakers, to say the very least.

The A-10's, are not a speaker that I have had any experience listening with, at all.

I do own 1/2 of one, ok, ok, the tweeter half with the enclosure.

It was given to me several years ago.

I would enjoy listening to a pair.

Does anyone reading this, have stacked AR-7's or A-10's?

How about 4 channel with these speakers?

How about 5.1?

How about 7.1?

I have seen the basic woofers only, on very rare ebay auctions.

I don't think that a lot of them were produced, I have never even seen guesstimates as to their numbers.

Ditto with the AR-7's.

When I was a teen, we used to have the, "Battle of The Bands", at our local, Orphuem Theatre.

Do I sense a battle of the, Mini "Mighty-Mites", looming?

An all out, battle to the finish?

I would cetainly welcome such a showdown.

I would be happy supplying the popcorn, with butter of course, red licorice and Royal Crown Cola for that event.

[Guest Eunomians]

I'd love to hear a serious showdown between baby speakers! I'm ready to guzzle some RC Cola!

I also think it would be neat to hear opinions on various surround setups using various high-quality 'vintage' diminuitive speakers.

On that note, I am a huge fan of the tiny Minimus 7's. I own 3 pairs currently. 2 walnut pairs and 1 black pair with wall brackets. I am always amazed with the soundstage that they produce. Crazy stuff. I'd like to scoop up a pair of NHT Superzero's one day, too.

[dynaco_dan]

>I'd love to hear a serious showdown between baby speakers!

>I'm ready to guzzle some RC Cola!

Hi there;

Maybe we should all gather at the draughting monkey's home for a listening session. lol lol

We would have almost every speaker system imaginable to listen to.

>I also think it would be neat to hear opinions on various

>surround setups using various high-quality 'vintage'

>diminuitive speakers.

>

>On that note, I am a huge fan of the tiny Minimus 7's. I own

>3 pairs currently. 2 walnut pairs and 1 black pair with wall

>brackets. I am always amazed with the soundstage that they

>produce. Crazy stuff.

I'd like to scoop up a pair of NHT

>Superzero's one day, too.

I believe that they were a creation of, Ken Kantor, member, contributor.

Ken has a history of being associated with some of the more well known speaker systems of our time, he may well be the next Henry Kloss.

They are small and cute.

A adopted a pair about 7 - 8 years ago.

They were in a sad state of affairs, they cried out, "take me home", so I did.

Stereophile did give them a good review, also with it's related sub-woofer, which is really mandatory, for truly serious listening.

They really gave a lot of speaker systems, a run for the money, except, mostly in the lower bass region.

They certainly sound much, much larger, than their diminutive size.

Two of them are only about the size of an AR-7 speaker, if they are that big.

Does any members have a stacked pair?

Perhaps combining a pair of AR-6's woofers, with a crossover point of around 100 hz, might be a system extrordinaire.

Oh, oh, darn, I don't have any AR-6's, the search goes on. lol

I don't know what amplifier to use to test them properly.

Maybe an old classic Crown DC-300-A, along with Dynaco ST-120 and PAT-4, PAT-5 and PAT-5-BI-FET.

Maybe also Stereo 70, or Mark 3's and PAS-3X.

They were around $450.00 a pair here, brand new, when I came across them.

They were a sad looking pair, obviously neglected and abused and definitely in need of a good home.

For $60.00, being reduced to $40.00, just as I asked about them, the orphans had to come home with papa.

[JKent]

>

>On that note, I am a huge fan of the tiny Minimus 7's. I own

>3 pairs currently. 2 walnut pairs and 1 black pair with wall

>brackets. I am always amazed with the soundstage that they

>produce. Crazy stuff. I'd like to scoop up a pair of NHT

>Superzero's one day, too.

>

I agree the Mini 7s are good. I just sold mine on ebay--with brackets--for $39. I was really hoping for/expecting more $$ so I can buy more vintage ARs. Oh well--that's the chance we take on ebay

[Guest Eunomians]

eBay is very fickle. I have seen just the NOS brackets go for much more than that. Sorry to hear about the low bidding. Sometimes those Minimus 7s go for crazy money (especially 7W). I recently sold a pair of near-NOS boxed ones, they went for less than $40 just like yours. I though that I could use that money towards a pair of A-25s, but in retrospect, I should've just kept them. Oh well.

I've noticed the same fickleness for the original AR3a/AR2ax walnut stands. Prices vary between $150 to less than $30. I should've bought the 2 (yes 2!) pairs of NOS ones that went for less than $30 for both pairs recently

The brackets are great. They make for great stands that you can angle nicely. I have a pair on the floor angled at 45 degrees or so. They are rear speakers with AR3a via Dynaco Quadaptor. Holy smokes, the set up is fantastic!

I really like the asthetics of the 7W over the black 7, but the brackets make the black 7s ideal for me. It would be nest to have walnut brackets for the 7w custom made! Perhaps the expense is just worth it, but nevertheless, it's still a cool idea.

I'd like to try the Minimus Upgrade kit on eBay one day.

When I get my AR7s, I will try them solo, then as rears for the Quadaptor. We shall see what sounds best.

I have also heard that the Superzeros need a subwoofer. I think that if I pick up some NHTs, I will build a Subwoofer. Besides, I'd like to try the Minimus 7s with a subwoofer, too. I've tried the 7s with the AR3a woofers, they sound nice, but the AR3a's deserve to be used unmolested in full-factory form.

I have a funny thing for these little speakers.

Cheers!

[dynaco_dan]

>eBay is very fickle. I have seen just the NOS brackets go

>for much more than that. Sorry to hear about the low bidding.

> Sometimes those Minimus 7s go for crazy money (especially

>7W). I recently sold a pair of near-NOS boxed ones, they went

>for less than $40 just like yours. I though that I could use

>that money towards a pair of A-25s, but in retrospect, I

>should've just kept them. Oh well.

>

>I've noticed the same fickleness for the original AR3a/AR2ax

>walnut stands. Prices vary between $150 to less than $30. I

>should've bought the 2 (yes 2!) pairs of NOS ones that went

>for less than $30 for both pairs recently

>

>The brackets are great. They make for great stands that you

>can angle nicely. I have a pair on the floor angled at 45

>degrees or so. They are rear speakers with AR3a via Dynaco

>Quadaptor. Holy smokes, the set up is fantastic!

>

>I really like the asthetics of the 7W over the black 7, but

>the brackets make the black 7s ideal for me. It would be nest

>to have walnut brackets for the 7w custom made! Perhaps the

>expense is just worth it, but nevertheless, it's still a cool

>idea.

>

>I'd like to try the Minimus Upgrade kit on eBay one day.

>

>When I get my AR7s, I will try them solo, then as rears for

>the Quadaptor. We shall see what sounds best.

>

>I have also heard that the Superzeros need a subwoofer. I

>think that if I pick up some NHTs, I will build a Subwoofer.

>Besides, I'd like to try the Minimus 7s with a subwoofer, too.

> I've tried the 7s with the AR3a woofers, they sound nice, but

>the AR3a's deserve to be used unmolested in full-factory

>form.

>

>I have a funny thing for these little speakers.

>

>Cheers!

Hi there;

You should go to Stereophile and read their historical review in their library.

The review of the Superzero, also mentioned pairing with other, not totally compatible, subwoofers.

This is where, Ken Kantor, has been at an advantage.

He was there, at their conception and then, at their birth.

I am certain, even in the various positions he has held, he doesn't have endless funds or equipment to experiment with, or the same interest we have, after all it is a job, which he is very good at.

After all, that is what business is all about, getting the conception out the door, to make money before the competition can tear it apart, to make a cheaper clone.

I am not saying, that Ken doesn't enjoy what he is doing, but, as with all jobs, sometimes, we just like to go home at 4:30 and forget about our work.

When you look in the library, at the cost of making speakers parts break down list, it is apparent that ever single cost cutting measure is so important.

Even a heavier guage of wire, times 100,000 units, adds up.

When I was working at the warantee depot, I was burning out, I had too much fun, no life, it lasted less than 3 years.

It was very interesting though, at the beginning, needless to say.

As far as adding a subwoofer, that would be tricky, not impossible though, in my opinion.

Buying one off ebay with it's already buit-in amplifier and crossover might be a more reliable way to go, in fact the original NHT version.

Balance is so important, if one has an electronic crossover, with a below 150 hz adjustment, great, the output would be critical.

If you had a pair of Superzeros, an extra integrated amplifier, or an extra amp and pre-amp, an electronic crossover, time and patience, you can at least experiment.

For example, if you tried an AR-7, AR-4X, AR-6, AR-2AX and a AR-3A woofer system.

You would better be able to see, the over-welming effect, that the AR-3A would have.

The crossover in an AR-3A, is at 575 hz, to allow the midrange to take over with it's designed circuitry, there is not a bottom end cut-off control in an AR-3A.

The lower models, starting with the AR-7's and progressing upwards would have more bass, I feel it would be maybe more difficult to balance, compared to the lower bass of the Superzeros.

To truly enjoy this, it would be a labour of love, and an interesting test report to read, if you should persue it.

Good luck.

[frankmarsi]

>Interesting write-up Vern (as you can see I am cheating and

>taking a break here at the office). I might have to keep and

>eye out for some 7's. Haven't seen any but they may be fun to

>compare to the A-10's I have.

>

>Frank, as to looking at 4x's they are crap - so crappy that

>they should be sent to me to keep my other 4 crappy pairs

>happy. Don't waste your time.

>

>All kidding aside, they actually are worth having in my

>opinion. I would like some LST's but they are a little out of

>my budget and haven't seen any around here. The niche that

>the 4x fits well in is space and cost. Great sound for a

>smaller outlay and need less room. The master bedroom is

>running 2 pair off a Fisher 800C-one pair on the bedside

>tables and another pair on the ledge over the wardrobes at the

>end of the room. With cathedral ceilings the sweet spot is in

>the middle of the bed which is great for relaxing in the

>bedroom and listening. Any bigger and I would not have had

>room for them. As for WAF the wife loves what she calls their

>warmsound. Another setup is the 4x's stacked with 2ax's (I

>find complimentary). I know others have said that the 3a's

>are much better than that combo (2 pairs of those BTW so I

>agree) but not every receiver/amp I own can handle 4 ohms.

>While not having the bass reach it is still a good combo and I

>am always surprised at how well they sound together.

>

>So, no I don't think it would be a bad idea to pick up a pair

>if you have a chance. You will probably be happily surprised

>with them. Especially with how little space they take up in

>comparison to your LST's.

>

>Or maybe we should both keep an eye out for some 7's.

>

>Better get back to work now. Talk at you all later.

>

>James

Whoa!!

FM

[frankmarsi]

>I'd love to hear a serious showdown between baby speakers!

>I'm ready to guzzle some RC Cola!

>

>I also think it would be neat to hear opinions on various

>surround setups using various high-quality 'vintage'

>diminuitive speakers.

>

>On that note, I am a huge fan of the tiny Minimus 7's. I own

>3 pairs currently. 2 walnut pairs and 1 black pair with wall

>brackets. I am always amazed with the soundstage that they

>produce. Crazy stuff. I'd like to scoop up a pair of NHT

>Superzero's one day, too.

>

>

>

>

>

>

Get da!!

FM

[Guest Eunomians]

Finally got my AR7's... The woofers are more than rotten, so I orderd up a kit to refoam them.

I am planning on slapping on some wood veneer on them.

But...

Since they are covered in vinyl veneer (yuck!), is is better to remove the vinyl veneer first before adding the wood venner?

The vinyl veneer is not peeling at all in any place on the speakers.

If I need to remove the vinyl first, how does one go about removing it?

[dynaco_dan]

>Finally got my AR7's... The woofers are more than rotten, so

>I orderd up a kit to refoam them.

>

>I am planning on slapping on some wood veneer on them.

>

>But...

>

>Since they are covered in vinyl veneer (yuck!), is is better

>to remove the vinyl veneer first before adding the wood

>venner?

>

>The vinyl veneer is not peeling at all in any place on the

>speakers.

>

>If I need to remove the vinyl first, how does one go about

>removing it?

Hi there;

I would suggest caution with removing it around the speakers front.

Whereas I have never peeled and veneered, you would peel it off like an onion skin.

Starting at the rear is probably the easiest.

I would check out the clearances with the veneer around the grille cloth before starting the skin peel.

What type of veneer are you contemplating using?

With many options avalable to you, even rosewood is an option.

After you peel the vinyl off, use a very coarse sandpaper and etch the cabinet for the glue to stick better.

Good luck and please keep us updated.

[Guest Eunomians]

Hi,

I will be using some Band-It veneer, Band-It edge trimmer and maybe wood edging if I need it.

http://www.band-itproducts.com/index.php?d...furniture_grade

I am not sure what type of wood I will use though. Perhaps the walnut venneer. I was thinking that I would stain the walnut with a red mahogany stain to match my AR3a and AR4x. They've both been stained with that color. I think this might be a safer route than using the mahogany veneer. Overall color match would be better since I can control the amount of stain.

Is it possible to apply veneer over the vinyl veneer? The vinyl veneer is perfecty 'stuck' onto the speakers and is not peeling anywhere at all.

[dynaco_dan]

>Hi,

>

>I will be using some Band-It veneer, Band-It edge trimmer and

>maybe wood edging if I need it.

>

>http://www.band-itproducts.com/index.php?d...furniture_grade

>

>I am not sure what type of wood I will use though. Perhaps

>the walnut venneer. I was thinking that I would stain the

>walnut with a red mahogany stain to match my AR3a and AR4x.

>They've both been stained with that color. I think this might

>be a safer route than using the mahogany veneer. Overall

>color match would be better since I can control the amount of

>stain.

>

>Is it possible to apply veneer over the vinyl veneer? The

>vinyl veneer is perfecty 'stuck' onto the speakers and is not

>peeling anywhere at all.

Hi again;

I believe that any of the woodworking craftspersons on this site would suggest removing the vinyl.

Etching the under surface with a rough sandpaper, on a block of wood of course, so as to not create dips and valleys, prior to applying a veneer.

You are going to do a lot of wonderful work and it would be a shame if the vinyl should start to bubble up, after the expensive veneer has been applied.

I just thought of a tool that may be of help to anyone doing veneering on a small scale.

The old, now this will tell you my age, ringer washers, had a wide rubber set of rollers, to wring water out the clothes, that would make for a great tool to roll out the air from under the veneer.

Particularly because the AR-7 is so compact.

Just went and visited there, luckily I can still add to this thread.

They advice against the edging being used on plain particle board.

Unless someone more skilled comes along with better advice, I believe that you should first seal the edges with, perhaps, varnish.

At the worst, phone or email the veneer supplier and ask as to what they would suggest, before doing anything, they do know best.

I don't think it has been written here yet, but I would also suggest removing the drivers.

And do check the veneer/grille cloth frame clearances.

Good luck again.