AR17 replacement drivers?

[Guest mux]

Hey folks,

Thought I had scored big earlier today when I spotted a set of AR17's at a junk store for $35/pair, but when I got 'em home I'm finding the woofers are blown. Well, ok, I'm no expert - but when I manually move the aluminum cone in, it grates and sticks in place, which I figure is a Bad Thing.

Given that I've been looking for a cheap, high-quality set of speakers to continue in my ongoing project of "decent sound in every room of the apartment", I'd love to make these into either kitchen or bedroom speakers, paired with an old Pioneer SA-8500 II amplifier.

So yeah - my questions to you:

can these drivers be repaired? is it worth repairing them?

if no (or if ridiculously expensive), is there still replacement stock out there?

if no, what's a suitable replacement driver? there's a bunch here that look good:

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?we...ectGroup_ID=490

for that matter, is this driver even a 5"? it measures 5" to the outside of the rubber, but then there's the housing...

Anyway - I'd really like to restore these speakers, but my budget isn't enormous (say $150?). What are my options, o wise ones?

Thanks in advance, any advice is appreciated!

[johnieo]

Hey folks,

Thought I had scored big earlier today when I spotted a set of AR17's at a junk store for $35/pair, but when I got 'em home I'm finding the woofers are blown. So yeah - my questions to you:

can these drivers be repaired? is it worth repairing them?

Greetings:

First, all those who understand speaker design tell the rest of us never to buy a any substitute driver, because nothing except the original will have matching tonal quality.

Second, the woofers (AR part number 120001-1) you have are called 8-in. woofers (measured across the basket OD). Many folk here enjoy refoaming these. Some here can tell you the best source of AR replacement foam surrounds. If you are willing to learn yourself the cost will be the refoam kit. If not, a refoamer like Millersound in Landsdale PA would charge about $25 (?) per woofer to refoam.

Third, do the tweeters work? The AR-17 uses the same tweeters as the AR-7x and AR-18 (AR part number 1200014-3) If needed, these appear frequently on eBay and sell for about $20/pair.

Lastly, some of the electrolytic caps used in that era (Callins brand in particular) have drifted well out of spec by this date. Replacement non-polar electrolytic capacitors can be purchased from Madisound or Parts Express for ~ a dollar each.

So even if you contracted the refoam and needed to purchase tweets, it would be well within your projected max expenditure.

Fun hobby -- go for it -- lots of folks here will offer help!

Cheers,

John

[Rich W]

From the description of the woofer (5" inches in diameter, rubber surrounds), it sound like Mux's speakers might be the "new" AR-17, which was released around 2000 and manufactured in China. If so, it would have the telltale "green" tweeter, and a poly woofer with no central dust cover. Incidentally, that model is a ported, not an acoustic suspension design.

I have no idea what the replacement woofer would be for this newer model. However, for an older AR-17, ca. 1977, the Parts Express refoam kit is best as it has the widest and most compliant foam surround. It also comes with everything you need (glue, etc) for successful refoam.

Best Regards,

Rich W

[Guest mux]

wow, there's some serious knowledge here! thanks so much for your replies.

I think Rich W is correct though, and they're the "new" AR17's. I'm pretty sure the woofers aren't 8" - even including the basket, they're only 6" across, I measured. The cones themselves are aluminum, a smooth concave with no dome or dustcap. The foam around the (yes, very distinctive bluish-green metal with a silk mesh dome over top, my friend referred to it as "spider eyes") tweeters doesn't feel 25+ years old! Yes, the boxes are ported as well.

Here's a link to a photo: http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/bo...91_4290crx.aspx

(also noting that the prices are significantly lower than I expected... maybe a $150 budget is pushing it a bit)

The tweeters do seem to work, there's a lot of distortion but I'm pretty sure it's all coming from the damaged woofer. I'll test tonight and maybe post a video.

Anyone else have any info or pointers for me?