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How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

#31
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Terence,
I really like my S50's as they sound good and can pump out some strong bass with or without the sub-woofer on.
When I first purchased them and hooked them up I had them bi-wired using AR's 10 and 12 guage speaker wire. Once we moved I didn't re-hook them up doing the bi-wire method because I couldn't really hear a difference.
I hooked them up straight from the 5ES receiver using AR's 10G Master series speaker wire with banana plugs and I left the gold jumpers off. I replaced the gold jumpers with speaker wire. Yes I use the spikes because of carpeting in my HT room.
The only puzzle that I coulnd't ever figure out was those Foam Plugs that came with all of the speakers.
I left them out and stored them for now. Do you know what the Foam Plugs are for ?
Thanks
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#32
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Curtis,

The foam plugs are for the Bass Reflex Ports. AR designed
those speakers to work as Bass Reflex or Acoustic Suspension (Aka Vented or Sealed).

Sealed should be more musical in most cases. Give it a try
and see what you conclude.. You will most likely loose some
output but the output should be tighter.
Brett DiMichele
brettd@nospamyukonwaltz.com (remove nospam)

Too Much to list!
My PhotoBucket              My Buttkicker Wireless Advance Kit Review
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#33
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terence: I like my S50's right now, they sound great to me, not too harsh. The bass extends pretty low, but when I add in the sub, it makes a difference. Even without the sub though, I've found myself forgetting that it's not turned on, b/c the speakers do a great job for the full range.

Then again, I haven't tried using the spikes yet, and I'm on carpet, so maybe that will help out even more.

I tried bi-wiring once, but I didn't notice much of a difference at all, I don't have proper equipment though, I don't have any kind of decent amps to attempt that, I'm running them off a Samson S1000 right now though and they like the extra power for sure!

I've actually tried looking hard for another pair of S50's, or even a single one (I have an extra S50 speaker sitting in a box) to use for surrounds, but I couldn't find a place selling them.
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#34
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Curtis Brett got to your question before i could, good job Brett, glad you love them Curtis.

Scott, if you can find the S50's go for it, the S40's are great as well & the S20's can be used all around if you can't find the towers. The SC2 center compliments the S50's,S40's & S20's well, good luck in your search.

GabrielC try the spikes you will hear improvement in the bass, also good luck finding S50. I think AR stop making them.

Tee

\"Enjoy Movies & Music.\"

My Home Theater

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#35
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Recoton also owns Advent (& Jensen too) I believe....and unfortunately, that once proud company quickly went down the toilet.

Any news on an Advent revival?

LJ
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#36
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Jensen and Advent were down the Crapper long before Recoton
bought them out.

Recoton also owned NHT up untill a few months ago and I
don't recall anyone saying NHT had gone downhill. I guess
once Jensen and Advent's reputations were smeared by other
previous ownerships that Recoton didn't bother to promote
any products from said companies.
Brett DiMichele
brettd@nospamyukonwaltz.com (remove nospam)

Too Much to list!
My PhotoBucket              My Buttkicker Wireless Advance Kit Review
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#37
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Jenson and Advent will be going to the company that buys the Audio portion of Recoton. While theses brands have been hurt, they are definitely not dead.
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#38
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Quote:
There is a "major manufacturer" of consumer electronics bidding on the entire Recoton package that has GREAT plans for AR.


So Scott, can you shead any light on what is in the works for AR? What have you heard?

Tee

\"Enjoy Movies & Music.\"

My Home Theater

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#39
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Of course, I can't really say much. But I will say that if "they" win the bidding, they plan on expanding the AR name into other home audio products, for example shelf systems, MP3 players, etc. Look for a much larger presence in the market.

The really good news about this buyer is that they already have an excellent manufacturing supply relationship with a number of factories in the Orient. The prior supply problems should be a thing of the past!
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#40
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Man, I can't believe I missed this thread. I have Performance speakers all around (PS2262 mains, PS215 surrounds, and Brett's old C225PS center), paired with a JBL PB10 and Aura bass shakers.

Dale, I'm glad someone here jumped on the h.h.gregg blowouts! There are some insane deals to be had there, from the HC series to the Stature line.

He obviously misinterpreted what it means to "be bullish."
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#41
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Hey David!

Better late the never huh? How is the Center Channel
serving you?
Brett DiMichele
brettd@nospamyukonwaltz.com (remove nospam)

Too Much to list!
My PhotoBucket              My Buttkicker Wireless Advance Kit Review
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#42
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Brett, it's been great. I was using a Kenwood VR-517 receiver at the time I purchased it from you, and I've since upgraded to a Harman/Kardon AVR-320, which further improved the listening experience! Thanks again.

The H/K allows for 7.1 with an additional amp, which has me thinking about picking up another pair of Performance bookshelves for future expansion. I keep seeing various models sitting on the clearance tables at h.h.gregg, and it pains me that no one is taking them home. I might have to do my part to help out.

He obviously misinterpreted what it means to "be bullish."
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#43
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GabrielC i found pair of S50's click below.

http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cg...=382&meta_id=6

Tee

\"Enjoy Movies & Music.\"

My Home Theater

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#44
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Thanks for the link terence, although right now I'm not sure if I will go with another pair of S50s, and I thought the price would be a little better than that at this time considering they're discontinued, oh well.

Now that I think about it, I haven't listened to a single set of speakers before buying them. I ordered my first group (2 pairs of 208V's, S112PS, and C225PS) from accessories4less, and then I bought my S50's from...somewhere, I forgot the retailer. All done online. I even bought my SVS online. Maybe I should try something local next time =)
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#45
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I use GR-Research in my main system, but my AR-15 bookshelves and PR1212 sub are pulling sound duty on my other TV
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#46
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Yousaf,

How do you like your PR1212 sub? A friend of mine was thinking about ordering it. I have owned the (2)S112PS it's and old sub that has been around for a while, i told him the PR1212 should be a big improvement.

Tee

\"Enjoy Movies & Music.\"

My Home Theater

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#47
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Terence,
I wondered that myself if the PR1212 sub would be a big improvement over the ARS112PS I had. Then I thought to myself I don't need to keep upgrading my subs so I saved up and bought my SVS.
But I still wonder how much better the PR1212 would have been compared to the ARS112PS I had.
By the way I just added a Parasound Amp to my whole setup...
can't wait to test it out more this weekend..:b
My home Theater
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#48
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Quote:
I wondered that myself if the PR1212 sub would be a big improvement over the ARS112PS I had. Then I thought to myself I don't need to keep upgrading my subs so I saved up and bought my SVS.

I did the same thing, i thought if i'm going to upgrade might as well aim higher.

Tee

\"Enjoy Movies & Music.\"

My Home Theater

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#49
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

I'm running a pair of AR 3 Hi-Res. I have a blown tweeter and only one place is showing a OEM replacement. I blew one of the subs few years ago, was still under warnty. They sent me 2 new subs said they had to be replaced in pairs. The magnets were 1/2 the size and all parts of the replacement appeared to be of less quailty! Factory sub weight was around 17lbs and the replacement were 9lbs. I threw a fit demanding getting a sub that was same as I took out.
Now I contacted them about the tweeter, the said the same thing. Needs to be replaced in pairs.They might be as good or maybe better.But I just want the OME to match the other side. Replacement tweeters were $36 each. In my opinion a (1" Plasma-Transfered,Diamond Coated Titanium Tweeter) will not be that cheap!!! Found a OEM replacement for $72.
My question is does anyone know another place for replacment parts?
Also few years back-Audiovox bought out AR and I think their service and replacement parts has went to shit!! (abtechservices.com/arspeakers.html)
Is the only place where I found my OEM tweeter and some other parts.Please let me know if you know in any other placements for replacements.
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#50
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

notice the last post on the thread is over 4 years old.

yes, AR had its day and many of the old speakers are still great today, but AR is now not much more than a marketing label used to squeeze a few more bucks out of your pocket than buying a theoretically lesser brand.

HT: Marantz SR8000, PSB Alpha B fronts, Alpha C center, CSW Newton S200 surrounds, Martin Logan Dynamo Sub, Marantz DVD, Sony CRT TV

Stereos include vintage Sony receivers/amps into vintage AR and KEF speakers.

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#51
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

I have a pair of ancient AR-4's, bought in 1969, still in use. Well kept, almost no cabinet scratches, although the grill cloth has discolored due to age.

AR back then was one of the few companies that gave "full" warranties. They even promised to send you new packaging and cover shipping both ways if warranty service was needed.

Video hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm

.

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#52
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

My first speakers were AR-4s, back in 1967. I have a pair of original AR-7s now being used as surround speakers in my daughter's HT system. Had to refoam them first. A pleasant chore considering the bountiful dividends.

"Aufersteh'n, ja aufersteh'n wirst du, Mein Herz, in einem Nu.
Was du geschlagen, Zu Gott wird es dich tragen!"

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#53
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wet Dreams
In my opinion a (1" Plasma-Transfered,Diamond Coated Titanium Tweeter) will not be that cheap!!! Found a OEM replacement for $72.

Im wagering a bet that the place you found is AB Tech Systems.. This is one of the only places to get them, and $72 is not a bad price.


On a side note, even though its an OLD thread, wanted to get my stuff on here, since I am an AR fanatic.. Too bad for them.. ::sniff::

--Acoustic Researc Hi-Res series--
AR1 Mains
AR2C Center
AR15 Mid Surround
AR17 Rear Surround

Forever searching for an ARS500 sub.

Jim
http://onebadpixel.com/blog

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#54
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

w00t! Not that I like bragging, but I love these speakers and have managed to acquire an entire second set in mint condition for $300 bucks. Apparently the guy had no idea what he had.

So with that said, I now own...
--Acoustic Research Hi-Res Series--
AR1 Mains
AR11 Mains (B channel)
AR2C Center
AR4C Center
AR15 Mid Surrounds
AR17 Rear Surrounds
AR17 Extra (can I do 9.1 or dual mid-surrounds?)

Still searching for an ARS300 or ARS500.

Jim
http://onebadpixel.com/blog

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#55
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

I have an AR center speaker. But, my mains are a pair of Allisons, built by AR's ex-president and chief acoustic engineer, who left them in 1972. I'm sure my Allisons and AR speakers share similarities...........
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#56
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

Do AR SRT 330s and SRT 380s count
I 'm using the 380s for mains and the 330s for rears.

"SRT" = Studio Recording Monitor.
The 380s are four way 15", 2 5s, and a liquid cooled strontium tweeter
The 330s are three way 12", 5', and same tweeter
Both units are ported enclosures.

Still sound great, capable of huge SPL.
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#57
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by terence
I just would like to know if their more than four that i know of on this fourm, and the most famous would be Brett DiMichele.

So along with him I too am a "Certified AR Fanatic"!

Any others......GOT AR?

I always loved my AR speakers. I still have 3 sets (all bought new): a couple pairs of tsw 110's and my AR 90's. All refoamed and sounding great. It helps when your mom worked for Teledyne. But the AR 90's just aren't getting used anymore plus they are too big for my home now. I guess I'll put them up for sale at the recycler.com unless someone can suggest a better place in the Los Angeles area? They are in sensational shape and I'm sure I could even dig up the original paperwork.
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#58
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

I have a pair of AR's from the mid-1990s I use for the stereo speakers in my audio-only system. They have inactive for a year-and-a-half now, but I have an idea as to how to put them back into play later this year when I upgrade my audio setup to feature a new receiver, phonograph turntable, CD record and stereo audio cassette tape deck.

And I believe this idea of mine is going to work!!!!!


The Acid Queen Still Rocks and Souls!!!! ;D
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#59
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

I have a pair of TSW 610- 60+ Lb'ers made it back from West Germany (when it still was west, pre and post Berlin wall era) and got a pair of 100's for free just for purchase. They both have been refoamed and sound awesome, Ti tweeters with arrays and sound blankets, real fine speakers, I am glad I got them. Still in great shape, save the screen structure frames which are just a bit broken, but still unnoticable. Black walnut (I believe) top and bottoms, real nice wood. Purchased in 1987, still going strong. Guess I'll sell 'em one day, who knows? Thanks for the thread, I thought I was the only one who had them. Bought them after listening to Boston's "Third Stage) Album (Yes, wax) on them at the local PX's sound room. Gave me shivvers. Pushed them with a Marantz 2270 Gyro-Tune (Blue Light) Receiver AWESOME.
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#60
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Re: How many own (AR) Acoustic Research speakers?!!

Nice to see this thread is still kicking after all of these years And I'm still an AR Nut... My AR9's are currently BiAmped off my Onkyo SR806 but through the years they have been fed all sorts of different diet. At one point I had the high's amped off my 20 watt single ended tube amps and solid state driving the woofers.

Sadly my scratch built sub (using the ARS500 amp) quit working. I think it took a surge and I am still trying to ascertain what is wrong with it.
Brett DiMichele
brettd@nospamyukonwaltz.com (remove nospam)

Too Much to list!
My PhotoBucket              My Buttkicker Wireless Advance Kit Review
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