https://acousticresearchspeakers.net Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:43:25 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-professionally-restored-walnut/ https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-professionally-restored-walnut/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:40:54 +0000 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-professionally-restored-walnut/ read more »]]>




















UP FOR SALE IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER. BUT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND (IN ANY CONDITION)… SPEAKER PAIR IN AUDIO HISTORY. I REFER TO THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH AR-3 SPEAKER SYSTEM FINISHED IN OILED WALNUT CABINETRY! NOT THE AR-3A FROM 1967, BUT THE ORIGINAL AR-3! THIS IS A 4-OHM SPEAKER SYSTEM AS ORIGINALLY CONFIGURED. HERE IS THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PARTICULAR PAIR. THEY SAT ON A SHELF IN HIS SMOKE FREE, A/C HOME DURING HIS LIFETIME. FOR SOME REASON, THE FIRST OWNER BEGAN A RESTORATION OF THEM YEARS LATER SINCE THE DRIVERS HAD BEGUN TO APPARENTLY DETERIORATE (MOST LIKELY FROM LACK OF USE), BUT THAT IS JUST A GUESS. ALL THE DRIVERS WERE LONG GONE. OF COURSE, HE NEVER FINISHED THEM UNTIL THEY WERE GIVEN TO A FRIEND AND COLLECTOR ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS IN HIS COLLECTION. I STARTED WITH A BLANK SLATE. AS AN OWNER MYSELF OF A RESTORED AND MINT PAIR OF AR-3A SPEAKERS, I HAD ALREADY COLLECTED ALL SIX OF THE APPROVED UPGRADED DRIVERS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION INCLUDING THE PROPER 12 WOOFERS, DOME MID-RANGES AND TWEETERS. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE AR PURISTS OUT THERE, THIS PAIR MAY NOT BE FOR YOU.. THIS IS HOW AN AR-3 WOULD BE MADE TODAY. YES, YOU CAN FIND SOME REBUILT DRIVERS BUT WHO KNOWS HOW THEY WERE DONE. IN COMPARING THEM TO MY ALL ORIGINAL AR-3A SPEAKERS, FOLKS, THEY ACTUALLY SOUND EQUAL TO. AND PERHAPS. BETTER! TRULY AMAZING SOUND PRODUCTION OF PERHAPS THE FINEST SPEAKER SYSTEM EVER MADE! THEIR REPRODUCTION OF VOICE AND PIANO ARE SPOT ON! NOW, HERE IS WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE RESTORATION. ALL THE OLD FIBERGLASS STUFFING WAS REMOVED FROM EACH CABINET AND THE INTERIORS WERE CLEANED AND VACUUMED. THE INTERIORS WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEW CONDITION WITH ZERO EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND OF DAMAGE.. ALL INTERNAL WIRING YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES WAS REPLACED/UPGRADED TO RETURN THEM TO ORIGINAL SPECS ALONG WITH THE NEWLY INSTALLED HIGH QUALITY POTENTIOMETERS AND CAPACITORS. FOR THOSE WHO KNOW, THIS WAS ALWAYS A WEAK POINT IN ANY VINTAGE AR SPEAKER LINE. EACH CABINET WAS CAREFULLY EXAMINED FOR ANY COSMETIC BLEMISHES. ALL 16 CORNERS AND CABINET FACE EDGES WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEAR PERFECT, SHARP CONDITION. NOT A SINGLE BUMP, DENT OR DREADED “CORNER CRUSH” AS IS OFTEN THE CASE. SEVERAL LIGHT SCUFFS FOUND ON THE CABINET BOTTOMS WERE PROFESIONALLY CORRECTED AND THEN RESTAINED. THEY NOW PRESENT AS NEW! USING A FURNITURE GRADE OIL-BASED WALNUT STAIN, THE END RESULT WAS AMAZING. THE INTERIOR BLACK SPEAKER SUPPORT BAFFLE TO WHICH THE DRIVERS ARE SECURED WAS HAND-SANDED AND THEN RESTAINED WITH AN OIL-BASED EBONY STAIN. IT PRESENTS AS NEW! ALL 30 T-NUTS THAT SECURE EACH SPEAKER BOLT/SCREW WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. ALL 30 PERIMETER SCREWS/BOLTS WERE REPLACED NEW TO FULLY SEAT EACH SPEAKER AND PROVIDE THE CORRECT AIR/ACOUSTIC SEAL. THE OLD CABINET INTERIOR DAMPING MATERIAL WAS REPLACED WITH BRAND NEW BOTH 2-INCH-THICK AUDIO MATTING AND ACOUSTICALLY CORRECT FIBER-FILL. IT WAS PROPERLY ISOLATED FROM THE BOTTOMS OF THE DRIVERS WITH NEW MESH TO PREVENT ANY CONTACT WITH ANY DRIVER CAGE. THE CAPACITORS AND POTS WERE ISOLATED FROM THE STUFFING WITH NEW, CORRECT HEAVY BROWN PAPER AS WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS RESULTED IN A FAR BETTER ACOUSTIC TREATMENT OF THE INTERIOR THAN WAS ORIGINALLY (AND RANDOMLY) STUFFED INSIDE. THIS WILL INSURE THE CORRECT ACOUSTIC PRODUCTION OF SOUND WITHIN EACH CABINET AND ELIMINATES ANY STANDING WAVES INSIDE. EACH DRIVER WAS CAREFULLY INSTALLED WITH NEW 2 MM THICK, 12 MM WIDE FOAM ADHESIVE GASKET TAPE (NOT THE CHEAP AND THIN RUBBER ONES) TO PROVIDE FOR A CORRECT SOUND-TIGHT ENCLOSURE. FINALLY, I BUILT OF SOLID WOOD, ALL NEW GRILLE FRAMES THAT USE A HALF-LAP GLUED AND STAPLED JOINERY AT EACH CORNER AND CENTER BRACE USING THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC FRAMES AS A TEMPLATE. BOTH ARE PERFECTLY, FIRMLY FITTED AND SQUARED WITHIN EACH FACE FRAME AND DO NOT REQUIRE ANY VELCRO OR OTHER METHOD TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE! I ALSO ADDED TWO SMALL FELT TABS ON THE BOTTOM OF EACH GRILLE TO FACILITATE THEIR REMOVAL WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY KIND OF PRY-OFF DEVICE. NO MORE CHEAP PLASTIC ONES LIKE THE ORIGINALS THAT ALWAYS CRACKED. THESE WERE THEN COVERED WITH THE PROPER ACOUSTIC LINEN FABRIC, STAPLE-SECURED ON THE BACK SIDE. NEW AR-3 BADGES WERE ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM CORNERS. NOW COMES THE BEST PART… GONE IS THE HARSHNESS OF THE EARLY VERSIONS OF THE AR-3, THERE ARE NO ACOUSTIC GAPS IN THE SOUND SPECTRUM AND THE SMOOTHNESS OVERALL IS EXACTLY WHAT MADE THIS SPEAKER THE ICON THAT IT IS. EACH SPEAKER MEASURES 25″ HIGH, 14″ WIDE AND 11.5 DEEP. EACH WEIGHS JUST UNDER 50 LBS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO AUDITION IN PERSON (FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN MUSIC… Cd, VINYL ARE OK)… AND ARE CURRENTLY CONNECTED TO MY “B” SPEAKER OUTPUT OF MY NAD C388 150 WPC HYBRID AMP. YOU WILL BE QUITE AMAZED AT THE POWER AND REALISM THESE SPEAKERS CAN PRODUCE AND WITH ZERO SOUND FATIGUE THAT MANY MODERN SPEAKERS SUFFER FROM. YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM ALL DAY AND NEVER TIRE OF THE SOUND. I HAVE PRICED THIS PAIR OF ICONIC AR-3 SPEAKERS A BIT BELOW THEIR CURRENT MARKET LEVELS SO THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN ENJOY AND APPRECIATE WHAT THESE CAN DO TO IMPROVE ANY STEREO SYSTEM. I DOUBT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO FIND A PAIR IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THERE ARE VERY FEW OF THESE AR-3 SPEAKERS CURRENTLY FOR SALE AND NOT IN THIS KIND OF LIKE-NEW CONDITION. SINCE THESE WEIGH JUST UNDER 50 POUNDS A PIECE, LOCAL PICK-UP IS REQUIRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

]]> https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-professionally-restored-walnut/feed/ 0 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored-2/ https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored-2/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:30:56 +0000 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored-2/ read more »]]>



















UP FOR SALE IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER. BUT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND (IN ANY CONDITION)… SPEAKER PAIR IN AUDIO HISTORY. I REFER TO THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH AR-3 SPEAKER SYSTEM FINISHED IN OILED WALNUT CABINETRY! NOT THE AR-3A, BUT THE ORIGINAL AR-3! HERE IS THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PARTICULAR PAIR. THEY SAT ON A SHELF DURING HIS LIFETIME. FOR SOME REASON, THE FIRST OWNER BEGAN A RESTORATION OF THEM YEARS LATER SINCE THE DRIVERS HAD BEGUN TO APPARENTLY DETERIORATE, BUT THAT IS JUST A GUESS. ALL THE DRIVERS WERE LONG GONE. OF COURSE, HE NEVER FINISHED THEM UNTIL THEY WERE GIVEN TO A FRIEND AND COLLECTOR ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS IN HIS COLLECTION. I STARTED WITH A BLANK SLATE. AS AN OWNER MYSELF OF A RESTORED AND MINT PAIR OF AR-3A SPEAKERS, I HAD ALREADY COLLECTED ALL SIX OF THE APPROVED UPGRADED DRIVERS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION INCLUDING THE PROPER 12 WOOFERS, DOME MID-RANGES AND TWEETERS. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE AR PURISTS OUT THERE, THIS PAIR MAY NOT BE FOR YOU.. THIS IS HOW AN AR-3 WOULD BE MADE TODAY. YES, YOU CAN FIND SOME REBUILT DRIVERS BUT WHO KNOWS HOW THEY WERE DONE. IN COMPARING THEM TO MY ALL ORIGINAL AR-3A SPEAKERS, FOLKS, THEY ACTUALLY SOUND EQUAL TO. AND PERHAPS. BETTER! TRULY AMAZING SOUND PRODUCTION OF PERHAPS THE FINEST SPEAKER SYSTEM EVER MADE! THEIR REPRODUCTION OF VOICE AND PIANO ARE SPOT ON! NOW, HERE IS WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE RESTORATION. ALL THE OLD FIBERGLASS STUFFING WAS REMOVED FROM EACH CABINET AND THE INTERIORS WERE CLEANED AND VACUUMED. THE INTERIORS WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEW CONDITION WITH ZERO EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND OF DAMAGE.. ALL INTERNAL WIRING YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES WAS REPLACED/UPGRADED TO RETURN THEM TO ORIGINAL SPECS ALONG WITH THE NEWLY INSTALLED HIGH QUALITY POTENTIOMETERS AND CAPACITORS. FOR THOSE WHO KNOW, THIS WAS ALWAYS A WEAK POINT IN ANY VINTAGE AR SPEAKER LINE. EACH CABINET WAS CAREFULLY EXAMINED FOR ANY COSMETIC BLEMISHES. ALL 16 CORNERS AND CABINET FACE EDGES WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEAR PERFECT, SHARP CONDITION. NOT A SINGLE BUMP, DENT OR DREADED “CORNER CRUSH” AS IS OFTEN THE CASE. SEVERAL LIGHT SCUFFS FOUND ON THE CABINET BOTTOMS WERE PROFESIONALLY CORRECTED AND THEN RESTAINED. THEY NOW PRESENT AS NEW! USING A FURNITURE GRADE OIL-BASED WALNUT STAIN, THE END RESULT WAS AMAZING. THE INTERIOR BLACK SPEAKER SUPPORT BAFFLE TO WHICH THE DRIVERS ARE SECURED WAS HAND-SANDED AND THEN RESTAINED WITH AN OIL-BASED EBONY STAIN. IT PRESENTS AS NEW! ALL 30 T-NUTS THAT SECURE EACH SPEAKER BOLT/SCREW WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. ALL 30 PERIMETER SCREWS/BOLTS WERE REPLACED NEW TO FULLY SEAT EACH SPEAKER AND PROVIDE THE CORRECT AIR/ACOUSTIC SEAL. THE OLD CABINET INTERIOR DAMPING MATERIAL WAS REPLACED WITH BRAND NEW BOTH 2-INCH-THICK AUDIO MATTING AND ACOUSTICALLY CORRECT FIBER-FILL. IT WAS PROPERLY ISOLATED FROM THE BOTTOMS OF THE DRIVERS WITH NEW MESH TO PREVENT ANY CONTACT WITH ANY DRIVER CAGE. THE CAPACITORS AND POTS WERE ISOLATED FROM THE STUFFING WITH NEW, CORRECT HEAVY BROWN PAPER AS WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS RESULTED IN A FAR BETTER ACOUSTIC TREATMENT OF THE INTERIOR THAN WAS ORIGINALLY (AND RANDOMLY) STUFFED INSIDE. THIS WILL INSURE THE CORRECT ACOUSTIC PRODUCTION OF SOUND WITHIN EACH CABINET AND ELIMINATES ANY STANDING WAVES INSIDE. EACH DRIVER WAS CAREFULLY INSTALLED WITH NEW 2 MM THICK, 12 MM WIDE FOAM ADHESIVE GASKET TAPE (NOT THE CHEAP AND THIN RUBBER ONES) TO PROVIDE FOR A CORRECT SOUND-TIGHT ENCLOSURE. FINALLY, I BUILT OF SOLID WOOD, ALL NEW GRILLE FRAMES THAT USE A HALF-LAP GLUED AND STAPLED JOINERY AT EACH CORNER AND CENTER BRACE USING THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC FRAMES AS A TEMPLATE. BOTH ARE PERFECTLY, FIRMLY FITTED AND SQUARED WITHIN EACH FACE FRAME AND DO NOT REQUIRE ANY VELCRO OR OTHER METHOD TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE! I ALSO ADDED TWO SMALL FELT TABS ON THE BOTTOM OF EACH GRILLE TO FACILITATE THEIR REMOVAL WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY KIND OF PRY-OFF DEVICE. NO MORE CHEAP PLASTIC ONES LIKE THE ORIGINALS THAT ALWAYS CRACKED. THESE WERE THEN COVERED WITH THE PROPER ACOUSTIC LINEN FABRIC, STAPLE-SECURED ON THE BACK SIDE. NEW AR-3 BADGES WERE ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM CORNERS. NOW COMES THE BEST PART… GONE IS THE HARSHNESS OF THE EARLY VERSIONS OF THE AR-3, THERE ARE NO ACOUSTIC GAPS IN THE SOUND SPECTRUM AND THE SMOOTHNESS OVERALL IS EXACTLY WHAT MADE THIS SPEAKER THE ICON THAT IT IS. EACH SPEAKER MEASURES 25″ HIGH, 14″ WIDE AND 11.5 DEEP. EACH WEIGHS JUST UNDER 50 LBS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO AUDITION IN PERSON (FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN MUSIC… Cd, VINYL ARE OK)… AND ARE CURRENTLY CONNECTED TO MY “B” SPEAKER OUTPUT OF MY NAD C388 150 WPC HYBRID AMP. YOU WILL BE QUITE AMAZED AT THE POWER AND REALISM THESE SPEAKERS CAN PRODUCE AND WITH ZERO SOUND FATIGUE THAT MANY MODERN SPEAKERS SUFFER FROM. YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM ALL DAY AND NEVER TIRE OF THE SOUND. I HAVE PRICED THIS PAIR OF ICONIC AR-3 SPEAKERS A BIT BELOW THEIR CURRENT MARKET LEVELS SO THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN ENJOY AND APPRECIATE WHAT THESE CAN DO TO IMPROVE ANY STEREO SYSTEM. I DOUBT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO FIND A PAIR IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THERE ARE VERY FEW OF THESE AR-3 SPEAKERS CURRENTLY FOR SALE AND NOT IN THIS KIND OF LIKE-NEW CONDITION. SINCE THESE WEIGH JUST UNDER 50 POUNDS A PIECE, LOCAL PICK-UP IS REQUIRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

]]> https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored-2/feed/ 0 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored/ https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:26:48 +0000 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/09/acoustic-research-ar-3-speaker-pair-profesionally-restored/ read more »]]>



















UP FOR SALE IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER. BUT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND (IN ANY CONDITION)… SPEAKER PAIR IN AUDIO HISTORY. I REFER TO THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH AR-3 SPEAKER SYSTEM FINISHED IN OILED WALNUT CABINETRY! NOT THE AR-3A, BUT THE ORIGINAL AR-3! HERE IS THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PARTICULAR PAIR. THEY SAT ON A SHELF DURING HIS LIFETIME. FOR SOME REASON, THE FIRST OWNER BEGAN A RESTORATION OF THEM YEARS LATER SINCE THE DRIVERS HAD BEGUN TO APPARENTLY DETERIORATE, BUT THAT IS JUST A GUESS. ALL THE DRIVERS WERE LONG GONE. OF COURSE, HE NEVER FINISHED THEM UNTIL THEY WERE GIVEN TO A FRIEND AND COLLECTOR ALONG WITH OTHER ITEMS IN HIS COLLECTION. I STARTED WITH A BLANK SLATE. AS AN OWNER MYSELF OF A RESTORED AND MINT PAIR OF AR-3A SPEAKERS, I HAD ALREADY COLLECTED ALL SIX OF THE APPROVED UPGRADED DRIVERS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION INCLUDING THE PROPER 12 WOOFERS, DOME MID-RANGES AND TWEETERS. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE AR PURISTS OUT THERE, THIS PAIR MAY NOT BE FOR YOU.. THIS IS HOW AN AR-3 WOULD BE MADE TODAY. YES, YOU CAN FIND SOME REBUILT DRIVERS BUT WHO KNOWS HOW THEY WERE DONE. IN COMPARING THEM TO MY ALL ORIGINAL AR-3A SPEAKERS, FOLKS, THEY ACTUALLY SOUND EQUAL TO. AND PERHAPS. BETTER! TRULY AMAZING SOUND PRODUCTION OF PERHAPS THE FINEST SPEAKER SYSTEM EVER MADE! THEIR REPRODUCTION OF VOICE AND PIANO ARE SPOT ON! NOW, HERE IS WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE RESTORATION. ALL THE OLD FIBERGLASS STUFFING WAS REMOVED FROM EACH CABINET AND THE INTERIORS WERE CLEANED AND VACUUMED. THE INTERIORS WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEW CONDITION WITH ZERO EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND OF DAMAGE.. ALL INTERNAL WIRING YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES WAS REPLACED/UPGRADED TO RETURN THEM TO ORIGINAL SPECS ALONG WITH THE NEWLY INSTALLED HIGH QUALITY POTENTIOMETERS AND CAPACITORS. FOR THOSE WHO KNOW, THIS WAS ALWAYS A WEAK POINT IN ANY VINTAGE AR SPEAKER LINE. EACH CABINET WAS CAREFULLY EXAMINED FOR ANY COSMETIC BLEMISHES. ALL 16 CORNERS AND CABINET FACE EDGES WERE FOUND TO BE IN NEAR PERFECT, SHARP CONDITION. NOT A SINGLE BUMP, DENT OR DREADED “CORNER CRUSH” AS IS OFTEN THE CASE. SEVERAL LIGHT SCUFFS FOUND ON THE CABINET BOTTOMS WERE PROFESIONALLY CORRECTED AND THEN RESTAINED. THEY NOW PRESENT AS NEW! USING A FURNITURE GRADE OIL-BASED WALNUT STAIN, THE END RESULT WAS AMAZING. THE INTERIOR BLACK SPEAKER SUPPORT BAFFLE TO WHICH THE DRIVERS ARE SECURED WAS HAND-SANDED AND THEN RESTAINED WITH AN OIL-BASED EBONY STAIN. IT PRESENTS AS NEW! ALL 30 T-NUTS THAT SECURE EACH SPEAKER BOLT/SCREW WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. ALL 30 PERIMETER SCREWS/BOLTS WERE REPLACED NEW TO FULLY SEAT EACH SPEAKER AND PROVIDE THE CORRECT AIR/ACOUSTIC SEAL. THE OLD CABINET INTERIOR DAMPING MATERIAL WAS REPLACED WITH BRAND NEW BOTH 2-INCH-THICK AUDIO MATTING AND ACOUSTICALLY CORRECT FIBER-FILL. IT WAS PROPERLY ISOLATED FROM THE BOTTOMS OF THE DRIVERS WITH NEW MESH TO PREVENT ANY CONTACT WITH ANY DRIVER CAGE. THE CAPACITORS AND POTS WERE ISOLATED FROM THE STUFFING WITH NEW, CORRECT HEAVY BROWN PAPER AS WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS RESULTED IN A FAR BETTER ACOUSTIC TREATMENT OF THE INTERIOR THAN WAS ORIGINALLY (AND RANDOMLY) STUFFED INSIDE. THIS WILL INSURE THE CORRECT ACOUSTIC PRODUCTION OF SOUND WITHIN EACH CABINET AND ELIMINATES ANY STANDING WAVES INSIDE. EACH DRIVER WAS CAREFULLY INSTALLED WITH NEW 2 MM THICK, 12 MM WIDE FOAM ADHESIVE GASKET TAPE (NOT THE CHEAP AND THIN RUBBER ONES) TO PROVIDE FOR A CORRECT SOUND-TIGHT ENCLOSURE. FINALLY, I BUILT OF SOLID WOOD, ALL NEW GRILLE FRAMES THAT USE A HALF-LAP GLUED AND STAPLED JOINERY AT EACH CORNER AND CENTER BRACE USING THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC FRAMES AS A TEMPLATE. BOTH ARE PERFECTLY, FIRMLY FITTED AND SQUARED WITHIN EACH FACE FRAME AND DO NOT REQUIRE ANY VELCRO OR OTHER METHOD TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE! I ALSO ADDED TWO SMALL FELT TABS ON THE BOTTOM OF EACH GRILLE TO FACILITATE THEIR REMOVAL WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY KIND OF PRY-OFF DEVICE. NO MORE CHEAP PLASTIC ONES LIKE THE ORIGINALS THAT ALWAYS CRACKED. THESE WERE THEN COVERED WITH THE PROPER ACOUSTIC LINEN FABRIC, STAPLE-SECURED ON THE BACK SIDE. NEW AR-3 BADGES WERE ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM CORNERS. NOW COMES THE BEST PART… GONE IS THE HARSHNESS OF THE EARLY VERSIONS OF THE AR-3, THERE ARE NO ACOUSTIC GAPS IN THE SOUND SPECTRUM AND THE SMOOTHNESS OVERALL IS EXACTLY WHAT MADE THIS SPEAKER THE ICON THAT IT IS. EACH SPEAKER MEASURES 25″ HIGH, 14″ WIDE AND 11.5 DEEP. EACH WEIGHS JUST UNDER 50 LBS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO AUDITION IN PERSON (FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN MUSIC… Cd, VINYL ARE OK)… AND ARE CURRENTLY CONNECTED TO MY “B” SPEAKER OUTPUT OF MY NAD C388 150 WPC HYBRID AMP. YOU WILL BE QUITE AMAZED AT THE POWER AND REALISM THESE SPEAKERS CAN PRODUCE AND WITH ZERO SOUND FATIGUE THAT MANY MODERN SPEAKERS SUFFER FROM. YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM ALL DAY AND NEVER TIRE OF THE SOUND. I HAVE PRICED THIS PAIR OF ICONIC AR-3 SPEAKERS A BIT BELOW THEIR CURRENT MARKET LEVELS SO THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN ENJOY AND APPRECIATE WHAT THESE CAN DO TO IMPROVE ANY STEREO SYSTEM. I DOUBT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO FIND A PAIR IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THERE ARE VERY FEW OF THESE AR-3 SPEAKERS CURRENTLY FOR SALE AND NOT IN THIS KIND OF LIKE-NEW CONDITION. SINCE THESE WEIGH JUST UNDER 50 POUNDS A PIECE, LOCAL PICK-UP IS REQUIRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

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This is a pair of vintage tweeters that I think are from an AR-3. Both are in good shape physically, so please see the pics. Please feel free to ask any questions and I’l do my best to answer!

]]> https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/07/acoustic-research-tweeter-speaker-pair-ar3-ar-3-for-parts-repair/feed/ 0 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/06/vintage-acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-pair-restored-6211862222-withboxes/ https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/06/vintage-acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-pair-restored-6211862222-withboxes/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:23:56 +0000 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/06/vintage-acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-pair-restored-6211862222-withboxes/ read more »]]>





















Up for sale are a pair of vintage Acoustic Research AR-3 speakers. They’ve been completely refurbished and are ready for a new home. These are an early set of AR3 which use the alnico cloth surround woofers. Serial #’s are nearly consecutive 62118 & 62222. Inside, are all new polypropylene capacitors. The potentiometers controlling the tweeter and midrange drivers are all original cleaned and working well! The cloth surrounds on the woofers were treated with AR sealant to keep them airtight and pliable. They are now a bit tacky, as they should be along with new mortite to seal in cabinets. The original midranges were rebuilt by Roy Champagne! The cabinets have been refinished with ZAR oil-based stain to give a protective semi-gloss finished. The grills have original cloth mounted on new masonite grill frames – New brass AR logo badges and original 3 badges as well. Over 500.00 was spent on this restoration work!

]]> https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/06/vintage-acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-pair-restored-6211862222-withboxes/feed/ 0 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/05/acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-fully-restored/ https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/05/acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-fully-restored/#comments Sat, 30 May 2026 04:23:55 +0000 https://acousticresearchspeakers.net/2026/05/acoustic-research-ar-3-speakers-fully-restored/ read more »]]>


















These vintage Acoustic Research AR-3 speakers are a rare find for any audiophile. The speakers were made in the United States and are of the unit type. The brand Acoustic Research is known for their high-quality audio equipment, and these speakers are no exception. They are perfect for vintage audio and video enthusiasts and collectors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add these rare AR-3 speakers to your collection. These AR3 speakers were found in my local savers store, consecutive numbers 39208 and 39209, I didn’t hesitate on getting them cause the price was right lol, took them home and sadly they didn’t worked as I spected and because the price was right i decided to give it a full restoration. Started by pulling the grills off, it was a nightmare, I started with the woofers, they were removed and they were fully redone using the original original cones and foams then I removed the mids and highs and sent them to be done by the master Roy Champagne in New York, cabinets were touched a bit as well, pots were totally apart and cleaned, crossover fully redone and finally a new made frames with new KLH fabric speakers I had laying around. The results are amazing!!!! They’re ready for some more decades of fine music. After 6 months of listening I think i’m ready to let them go, they deserve a home where they can sing every day.. DECLARE AS A GIFT OR.

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Up for sale is a very rare AR-3 mid-range driver. This is an earlier version of AR-3 mid-range driver. This AR-3 mid-range is made of huge alnico driver and it’s very heavy. Connected AAA with battery and produces sound. That’s all I can do for testing. Based on my test this driver appears in proper working condition; however, no guarantee. Please review photos closely as they are part of description. What you see is exactly what you get. No return is accepted.

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Acoustic Research AR-3 – early production with Alnico magnets and cloth surround woofers. Serial Numbers: C36110 / C36189. Finish: Rare factory Mahogany – beautiful reddish-brown color. · All original drivers. · Level controls deep cleaned – quiet and smooth. · Perfect working condition. · Cabinets very well preserved – no major scratches or damage. · Original grilles and badges included. Sound: Warm, detailed, effortless. The classic AR-3 performance.

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Acoustic Research AR-3 Loudspeaker System in very good condition. Historic acoustic suspension design – pioneered accurate low-frequency reproduction. Deep, controlled bass – exceptional for its size. Natural, balanced sound – ideal for critical listening. Classic American hi-fi – highly collectible and respected. Real wood cabinetry – timeless vintage aesthetic. Best suited for systems with quality amplification due to low sensitivity. Designed by Acoustic Research in the golden age of American hi-fi, the AR-3 is renowned for its deep, accurate bass, smooth midrange, and natural tonal balance. Featuring a 3-way acoustic suspension design, the AR-3 was among the first speakers to deliver true low-frequency extension from a relatively compact enclosure. Its engineering set a benchmark for accuracy and helped establish acoustic suspension as a dominant loudspeaker design. Highly regarded by audiophiles and collectors, the AR-3 remains a reference point in vintage speaker performance. Type: 3 way, 3 driver loudspeaker system. Recommended Amplifier: 25W (minimum). Bass: 1 x 12 cone. Tweeter: 1 x 2″, 1 x 1-38″ dome. Finish: mahogany, natural birch, pine, walnut, cherry, korina, teak. Dimensions: 14 x 25 x 11-3/8 inches. We are a vintage sales and service specialist covering the Washington DC metro area. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.

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This listing is for 1 potentiometer, this is a brand new, custom-made wirewound potentiometers designed specifically as high-quality replacements for the original level controls used in Acoustic Research speakers. Construction: Ceramic body for improved heat dissipation. Type: Precision wirewound potentiometer. Condition: Brand new, never used. Bonus: Complimentary installation instructions and schematics in PDF format. Unlike the original controls, these new units are built to handle higher thermal loads and provide smooth, consistent operation over the full rotation range. The ceramic housing ensures excellent durability and helps dissipate heat efficiently, extending the life of the control and preserving sound quality. Each kit comes with detailed installation instructions and original schematics in PDF format, provided as a complimentary bonus to assist with a smooth and accurate restoration process. Perfect for restoring your AR speakers to top performance – or upgrading other vintage AR models that use similar 16? Level controls. We also offer a great selection of. And other rare/unique parts. Make sure to check our store. (Use the search bar inside the shop to find what you need faster). We may also be interested in purchasing your audio equipment.

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