AR Subwoofer

[fredcdobbs]

I was delighted to find this site, and amazed at the variety of information it provides.

For many years, I've owned an AR Subwoofer and its associated separately-cabineted crossover. At the time that it started to sound bad and I discovered that the speaker surrounds had basically evaporated, I could find NO literature or customer support to help. Since this was just before the time that powered subs were beginning to appear, I thought that I would try to replace the drivers, and did so with a pair of JBL 10-inchers which were capable of considerably greater excursion than the ARs. I knew this was heresy, and probably played havoc with the original design parameters, but it sounded pretty dang good compared to any alternatives I had at the time. Soon after, I gave in to the march of electronic progress, wrapped the whole thing in plastic and stored it in my garage, thinking that someday I would be able to either restore it properly or perhaps sell it to someone who could do so if he desired.

Because there is no model number, I should emphasize that this speaker is a walnut lowboy cabinet with two downfiring 10-inch drivers. The crossover is in a separate walnut box.

Whether I keep it or part with it, I would like to replace the foam damping material at the bottom of the cabinet, because it is degrading in a sticky sort of way. Could someone recommend a replacement foam of similar density which would be more stable??

Inquiries or information are welcome.

[JKent]

Welcome to the CSP Fred!

Like you, I had a similar situation with my sub (VMPS Original Large) years ago and ended up buying a new woofer AND a new passive radiator before I knew about re-foaming. I'm not familiar with your specific sub (maybe a browse through our Library would help you find the model: http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/library/ ) but I have a question: Are you referring to a passive radiator (a speaker with no wires going to it)? And is it the surrounds that are shot? If so, I recommend M_Sound for new surrounds

http://www.citlink.net/~msound/

You can access his eBay store through this site, and the site gives excellent step-by-step instructions.

If OTOH I am not correctly understanding the question, perhaps you are looking for a foam mat that damps the speaker (now that I re-read your post, that seems more likely). For that, try Parts Express.

http://www.parts-exp...ise-control.cfm

Good luck and be sure to come back with any more questions. Photos are often helpful. Resize them to under 100 KB for best results.

Kent