Acoustic Research AR-2ax Speakers, Excellent

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Acoustic Research AR-2AX Speakers. This model was manufactured from 1969-1976. This pair, serial numbers 52014 and 53726, is a pair of AR-2a's which has been upgraded to AR-2ax's. You can see at the upper right the wood panels with the AR-2ax midranges that replaced the inferior plastic double-midrange unit of the AR-2a. This pair uses the cast-frame, fabric surround, alnico magnet version of the AR 10" woofer and the same 1 1/4" dome tweeter as the AR-3 (although it has a different impedance). Specifications: Driver complement 10" acoustic suspension woofer, 3.5" cone mid-range, 1 1/4" dome tweeter Sensitivity 86 db Dimensions 24" H x 13.5" W x 11.5" D Weight: 36.5 pounds Recommended amplifier power 20 watts Crossover frequencies 1400 Hz, 5000 Hz Controls High, Mid You can read further about these speakers at Case Condition: generally excellent. All the veneer is firmly attached and the finish is clear. T are a few chips at the rear corners that have been repaired with an epoxy filler, and some light surface scratches which should disappear with careful waxing. The grills have been recovered with an open-weave, off-white linen very close to the original cloth. The logos are bright and shiny. Mechanical condition. All drivers function well. The woofers have fabric surrounds and will never need refoaming. The crossover controls have been jumpered with the tweeters and mid-ranges wide open. The jumper procedure is recommended by many restorers, never requires maintenance, and I think the wide open tweeter and midrange gives the best balance to the powerful bass of the AR-2AXs. You can restore the mid and tweeter controls by restoring the jumpers. Much of the old duct-seal which was used to soundproof the speaker has been replaced with a modern more flexible sealing tape. Listening. If they weren't overshadowed by the stupefyingly good AR-3 and 3A speakers (at twice the price), they would be considered great. In comparison to large Advents, which were in their price category, deep extended bass is comparable, midrange is more detailed and clear because of the separate midrange driver, and treble is smoother and more extended. An excellent classic speaker. The price of AR-3 series speakers is out-of-sight, and the price of AR-2ax speakers is beginning to climb, with good examples selling for more than $300. With most of the performance of the 3 series, except in extreme low bass, they are an affordable 3-way classic Acoustic Research speaker, and, even today, an excellent speaker for listening. The speakers will be shipped in two 48 pound boxes by UPS ground. Buyers should double the price shown in the shipping calculator to arrive at the total shipping price. They will be very carefully packed to protect against damage. Local pickup around Ithaca, NY or Philadelphia, PA can be arranged. The shipping calculator includes UPS insurance, pickup and confirmation fees and the cost of packing materials. For foreign buyers, shipment is by United States Postal Service Express or Priority Mail. Express is slightly more expensive, slightly faster, and offers better tracking. Buyers should be aware that they are purchasing a piece of vintage audio equipment. I try the best I can to accurately describe the item and its current operating condition, but I make no warrantee of any sort, and the item is sold "AS IS," "NO RETURNS." Any obvious physical damage caused in shipping will be covered by insurance, and it is up to the buyer to file a claim for this. It is always possible for items to sustain shocks that alter their working condition but result in no obvious physical damage or for a part to fail simply due to age, and I disclaim responsibility for this. These caveats aside, in my own experience, vintage audio equipment that has been working for 20-50 years is quite robust, and likely to arrive in the same condition as it was in ... read more

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