Acoustic Research AR15 bookshelfs (1 Viewer)

[Kieran Coghlan]

I'm looking for some information on the AR15 speakers. I can't seem to find any reviews online for them, and very few retailers (www.soundpros.com has them). So, has anyone here used them or is anyone familiar with them? How do they stack up against other speakers in their category? They are VERY inexpensive ($235/pair), it seems for this type of speaker. The specs (on paper) are impressive, (38Hz-23KHz ±2dB) but I never trust those... just a starting point.
Also, if anyone has any suggestions for speakers in this range (size/price) I'd be interested in hearing about them.
Thanks!

 

[matt bee]

I don't know anything about the speakers, but give accessories4less a look. They seem to have good prices. I just bought a reciever and Acoustic Research HC2 speakers from them with no problems at all.

 

[Mike Kao]

I have a pair of AR17's if you're interested:
link
LMK

 

[Brett DiMichele]

I have the AR9's which use the same 1" Diamond Hardened
Titanium Tweeter and Magnesium-Aluminium Alloy Hemispherical
Midrange.

I am absolutely pleased with the constuction quality, finish
and the sound of my AR9's and I may replace my cheaper AR
Performance Series Bookshelfs (Rear Surround) with the AR15's
for an exact timbre match to my 3 front speakers.

The AR HI-Res Line (What the AR15's are listed as) all use
same drivers and cabinent designs for perfect timbre matching
all around.

IMHO I believe that AR could have priced these speakers much
higher and marketed them better and easily sold them for
whatever they asked. The AR15's should be in the $600.00/PR
Price Range for the sound and quality they deliver.

 

[Henry_W]

I have heard them at a friends all AR audio HT. At the price they are very good and if it is an upgrade for you I would go for it. I am particularly fond of their Hi-Res line.

That said, I am a horn fan and can have some harsh things to say about cones. Regardless, due to space and asthetics, I have the AR2C as a center and it really does carry itself well with the horn based mains and sides. If you know us horn fanatics, that is a severe concession and strong compliment.

 

[Brett DiMichele]

Henry,
It sure is a compliment.. I know how you Hornies are..
The Hi-Res Tweeter is one in your face deal. There is no
laid back here. I say if someone wants laid back then they
need to look at something silk or plastic because the Hi Res
Titanium Tweet carries it's self as do the mids.
Source gear is critical though, and I can tell ya my source
gear ain't good enough for the speakers!
And with any good speaker, bad recordings sound horrid and
good recordings sound phenominal.

 

[Kieran Coghlan]

Hey, thanks for the suggestions, guys. Sorry for taking so long to respond to my own thread. I am getting very close to just going for it and buying the AR15's. I usually would never buy some speakers w/o listening to them first though... and there are no AR dealers near me. But at $200/pair... I'm finding it hard to resist these speakers... :b