AR3a parts sources

[FLMike]

I recently acquired a set of AR 3a and I'm going to restore them. I have never heard a set and have no knowledge of the brand or model, so I'm just looking to make them sound as pleasing as possible. I have been reading, searching and lurking around this site for a couple of days and now I have a few questions. These appear to be early models, 1970 I think.

One of the tweeters measures open, is there any source for an original other than ebay? Should I just go for the replacement unit in the restoration document?

Any recommendation on a supplier for woofer surrounds?

I plan to replace the capacitors, will Dayton caps suffice or should I be looking at something else?

I appreciate any and all input

[JohnHeubel]

I recently acquired a set of AR 3a and I'm going to restore them. I have never heard a set and have no knowledge of the brand or model, so I'm just looking to make them sound as pleasing as possible. I have been reading, searching and lurking around this site for a couple of days and now I have a few questions. These appear to be early models, 1970 I think.

One of the tweeters measures open, is there any source for an original other than ebay? Should I just go for the replacement unit in the restoration document?

Any recommendation on a supplier for woofer surrounds?

I plan to replace the capacitors, will Dayton caps suffice or should I be looking at something else?

I appreciate any and all input

Though others are much more informed about these speakers here's some sources I frequently use in repairing speakers, and the AR-3a's I just finished:

http://cgi.ebay.com/AR3a-Speaker-Foam-Repair-Kit-AR-3a-Woofer-Refoam-Kit-/300111871404?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item45e00fbdac

http://www.erseaudio.com/Products/PulseX

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=279-051

For the caps I used NP electrolytic for the woofer and mid (though I intentionally used 47uF caps for the mid so I could bypass with 3uF poly instead of splurging for a 47uF poly cap). I used a different tweeter than recommended, but am happy with the results. I have no way to test them to see if they'd benefit from the addition of an inductor like the HiVis, so YMMV, but my goal wasn't necessarily to have them sound just like original but rather to have pleasing highs (when I hooked up the original tweeters the highs just weren't what I prefer). I did have to make my own faceplates for mounting them though. Here's my flickr page of the restore:

John

[Tom H.]

I like the refoam kit that ebay seller moonlistener (John McPeak) sells. It has great instructions and includes everything you'd ever need. He's also very helpful if you hit a snag. I've bought a couple of kits from him.

Here's a 11 inch kit from him.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AR-3-AR-3a-reFoam-Kit-11-Woofers-Repair-Foam-Kit-/330517316989?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item4cf45e057d

[JKent]

I like the refoam kit that ebay seller moonlistener (John McPeak) sells. It has great instructions and includes everything you'd ever need. He's also very helpful if you hit a snag. I've bought a couple of kits from him.

Here's a 11 inch kit from him.

http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item4cf45e057d

Ditto on John McPeak AKA M_Sound. I always use his kits. Very complete kits, excellent printed instructions and email support.

Go with the HiVi replacement tweeters--they are not in the restoration document but Roy, one of the authors of that "bible" worked out the necessary crossover mods (just an inductor). The tweets are well designed and under $25 each.

Dayton caps are good. So are Erse or Carli (from Madisound). People get a little crazy arguing about their sonic virtues. Mostly humbug. Even quality non-polar electrolytics (NPEs) like the Bennics sold by Madisound are good--it's just that film caps will last longer (longer than the 20 or 30 or 40 years the NPEs will last).

Kent