Rare Acoustic Research AR-1W + JansZen 1-30 Electrostatic – Unique Mono / Centre-Channel System. A very rare piece of early high-end audio history. For sale is one Acoustic Research AR-1W woofer cabinet paired with one JansZen 1-30 electrostatic tweeter – the legendary combination that helped establish Acoustic Research and JansZen as pioneers of high-fidelity loudspeaker design in the 1950s. The AR-1W uses Acoustic Research’s groundbreaking acoustic-suspension principle and 12-inch woofer, designed by Edgar Villchur and his team. The AR-1/AR-1W was revolutionary for its ability to produce deep, exceptionally low-distortion bass from a relatively compact sealed enclosure. Its Alnico motor, lightweight cone and compliant suspension were years ahead of their time. At the top is the extraordinary JansZen 1-30 electrostatic array. Using a true push-pull electrostatic diaphragm, it was renowned for its exceptionally smooth, open and detailed midrange and treble. The 1-30 was specifically developed as an add-on high-frequency unit and became famous for being paired with the AR-1W. The two even appeared together in contemporary demonstrations and advertising. This is one of each, rather than a conventional stereo pair – which makes it particularly interesting for a collector. It would make a wonderfully quirky mono system for historic recordings, or an extraordinarily unusual centre-channel experiment in a vintage/modern hybrid system. The JansZen has been serviced and is working. It is a 117V unit, so a suitable step-down transformer is required; one can be included. These are exceptionally uncommon pieces and this is an opportunity to own a genuinely historic loudspeaker combination that represents one of the great innovations of the early high-fidelity era. Both units show their true 70+ year age with a few scratches and dents adding an honest patina, but are presentable. The Janszen 1-30 tweeter grill cloth could be replaced, but for originality I have not. Please see photos for condition. A unique piece for the serious vintage audio collector.