Following the (Web)Master

[stan461]

Referring to the article by the webmater:

"Comments from the webmaster on his AR-3/AR-3a upgrade "

To get to the article from this home page:

got to "Classic Speakers"

then "Acoustic Research(A/R)"

then "The Original Classic Models(1954-1974)

then "AR-3A"

then "Comments from the webmaster on his AR-3/AR-3a upgrade "

Here are my questions:

I have 2 pair of AR3A's so tinkering with one of them sounds like a fun and worthwhile project. I will be able to A/B the results which I will post on the forum.

I read your "comments from the webmaster on his AR3/AR3A upgrade" and I do have specific questions:

"Replaced the AR3 and AR3A tweeters with Vifa Silk Domes. It

wasn't an exact fit, so I drilled pilot holes at 30 degree angles

to mount the Vifa's. It worked out great, airtight, and GREATLY

improves the high end. (For about half the cost of an AR replacement.)

It also looks very nice."

what model # of Vifa?

"Replaced the capacitors and woofer circuit electrolytics."

Where did you purchase the caps? I have had trouble finding the exact values.

"Made a new inductor for the AR3 to bring it up to AR3A spec. I might

have to do more depending on how the inductor values match up."

Since its already an AR3A. I think I should pass on this.

"Replaced the AR3 midrange with a new AR3A replacement."

From Layne Audio? Simply speakers?

"Cut acoustic foam to fit between the front panel and the grill."

What kind? Where did you purchase it?

I'm not out to re-invent the wheel and you have already a proven result. Any help would be appreciated.

THe excerpts from the article are in quotes.

Thank You and a healthy and happy New Year to all!

Stan

[administrator]

Hi Stan,

>"Comments from the webmaster on his AR-3/AR-3a upgrade"

Unfortunately I wrote that so long ago it seems like it was in a former life.

>what model # of Vifa?

I no longer have that information. Stephen Tidwell of Layne Audio, if and when he is found, could do so. The Vifa's I wrote about are installed in my AR-3's that were shipped to Layne quite a while ago. Status unknown.

>Where did you purchase the caps? I have had trouble finding

>the exact values.

I believe my dad got the caps from Solen and the inductors from Madisound.

>"Replaced the AR3 midrange with a new AR3A replacement."

>From Layne Audio? Simply speakers?

I don't have access to that information anymore .. I got it from an audio shop that had a box full of 3a midranges. I forget how I found them or who they were.

>"Cut acoustic foam to fit between the front panel and the

>grill."

>What kind? Where did you purchase it?

I believe I got the acoustic foam from Layne Audio.

>I'm not out to re-invent the wheel and you have already a

>proven result. Any help would be appreciated.

Well .. I wouldn't go that far. I had only completed one of the two, and then the project went into a serious hibernation.

I started the project early in college. I knew I liked the AR-3/a mids and bass, but wanted to make the speakers look more contemporary with the black grills and increase the tweeter output.

In retrospect, I would repair them and leave it at that.

Mark