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AR Speakers $35


fast_eddie_72

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Yes, another Craigslist ad. They were in a far flung part of Colorado, but I emailed the seller. AR Model 338. I've always wanted to hear some speakers from this series. Turns out she was coming down to Denver in a few weeks and we were able to get together. Very nice woman and happy to see them go to someone who appreciated them.

I've just hooked them up and am giving them a quick listen. Already certainly more than I expected. Pleasantly, they sound very much like ARs! Much more low end than I expected and the balance is super. I read the review that is floating around here on the 302 and 338 and expected them to be overly bright. In my listening room they certainly are not, though they do not need the EQ correction I use for my AR3s. Even at moderate volume, I can feel the bass. High end extension seems very good. They sound much bigger than they are. They obviously don't have the very deep bass of a larger AR speaker, but they do sound very whole. I don't think I've been as surprised by a pair of speakers since I picked up a pair of Dynaco A25s years ago. They do not sound like the "little ARs".

I have them on a pair of small stands that seem well suited for them. About two feet from the back wall and well away from the side walls. Closer than I usually have speakers. I think I have the mirror image oriented correctly, with the mid and tweeter domes toward the inside. They image very nicely, and actually have a wonderful three dimensional sound stage.

One midrange is pushed in slightly. I'm confidant I can coax it out.They were dirty, but no major issues. They should clean up pretty nicely. I'll get some pics when I can pull myself away from listening long enough.So far very much enjoying them!

I have a habit of being overly impressed with a new speaker so I'll give it a bit of time and report back. But right now it sounds to me like these want for very little. Really glad I picked them up, even though I have absolutely no need for another pair of speakers. Maybe these will replace the Tannoy monitors in my office.

(edit) Vacuum cleaner nozzle merely waved in the vicinity of the mid and like a magic wand removed the afliction with no sign that it had ever been there.

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Hmmm.....looks like this model may have been manufactured in both mirrored and non-mirrored baffle layouts.

Perhaps the non-mirrored speakers in the photo are not an original "pair" ? The labels on the cabinets would probably be the only way to know for sure.

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Sort of like two left shoes? That thought crossed my mind, too, and Roy is probably correct that more information would be needed to determine what really constitutes a "pair" of this particular model.

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Just a quick update. I've been listening to these a lot. To my ears, these, just as they sit, are seriously good. I just love them.

I have some plans for a project involving these. It may take me a bit to pull it all together. Free time is at a premium right now.* But I have the big pieces and it will eventually get done.

Take care,

Ed

*I'm working out 6 days a week right now. Down almost 30 lbs. since the first of the year and hoping to run a half marathon in a few weeks in under 2 hours. Not to mention autocross season has started. And I went in with some friends on a Lemons/Chump car. Oh, and the painfully close to finished '72 Capri restoration. Going to be a busy summer.

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