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AR-3a Reissue


gary_wong5

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I am keen to know the performance as compared with old AR-3a.

Gary,

Where'd you come across this? Sure looks mostly like a 3a with a foam-surround woofer, but I'm sure the experts here will tell more. The rear connectors look very different from the original. Is this a speaker being marketed in Malaysia or Singapore? If so do you know the price?

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Gary,

Where'd you come across this? Sure looks mostly like a 3a with a foam-surround woofer, but I'm sure the experts here will tell more. The rear connectors look very different from the original. Is this a speaker being marketed in Malaysia or Singapore? If so do you know the price?

I was offered by someone from Asia, I am sorry that I not able to reveal further because I afraid that someone will grab the opportunity. :blink: According to the owner, this is a Reissue version with bi-wire feature.

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I was offered by someone from Asia, I am sorry that I not able to reveal further because I afraid that someone will grab the opportunity. :blink: According to the owner, this is a Reissue version with bi-wire feature.

This looks to me like the Asian version of the 3a "improved" model. Not so much a true 're-issue'. Check the middle picture in post #7 at the link below:

http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Boar...l=ar3a+improved

It's interesting though, the contrast with the picture Klaus DK showed of the back of his European version in another thread. See the pics is post #28 at this link:

http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Boar...roved&st=20.

There's nothing there but two terminals - no bi-wire and no pots.

Perhaps some of the AR historians here could shed some light on this apparent disparity in features offered to one side of the world vs the other.

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This looks to me like the Asian version of the 3a "improved" model. Not so much a true 're-issue'.

It's interesting though, the contrast with the picture Klaus DK showed of the back of his European version in another thread.

There's nothing there but two terminals - no bi-wire and no pots.

Perhaps some of the AR historians here could shed some light on this apparent disparity in features offered to one side of the world vs the other.

Vintage US audio gear has been very popular in Asia for many years now. My guess is that the cabinetry and bi-amping terminals were done to make the speaker more attractive to that market, where buyers were likely to prefer the US-styling over the Euro cabs and might also want to hook them up to lower powered vintage American tube amplifiers. The pots would also be in keeping with the desire to have a product that was as close to a real "reissue" of the originals as possible.

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Guest winters860

No mystery here.

These are AR-3a Limited, circa 1989-1991. They were produced, IIRC, by a Hong Kong Company under license from AR for the Asian market, using Tonegon replacement drivers. They've got woodgrain vinyl on the cabinets, which no original AR-3a did, but they represent the absolute last gasp of the original AR line. The crossover is different from the originals to accommodate the L-pads used instead of potentiometers and the tweeters. While the midrange are sonically similar to the old AR-3a drivers with a bit more sensitivity, the cloth dome ferrofluid tweeter is a descendant of the one in the AR-11/10pi rather than the 3a.

Enjoy them! I suspect they're quite nice. I haven't heard them, but I'd speculate that the treble response would be more extended than the originals and the bass would be more damped.

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No mystery here.

These are AR-3a Limited, circa 1989-1991. They were produced, IIRC, by a Hong Kong Company under license from AR for the Asian market, using Tonegon replacement drivers. They've got woodgrain vinyl on the cabinets, which no original AR-3a did, but they represent the absolute last gasp of the original AR line. The crossover is different from the originals to accommodate the L-pads used instead of potentiometers and the tweeters. While the midrange are sonically similar to the old AR-3a drivers with a bit more sensitivity, the cloth dome ferrofluid tweeter is a descendant of the one in the AR-11/10pi rather than the 3a.

Enjoy them! I suspect they're quite nice. I haven't heard them, but I'd speculate that the treble response would be more extended than the originals and the bass would be more damped.

Your speculation just matches what was told by the seller. Furthermore, he added that this version is more expensive and better appraised than those original AR-3a in Japan.

As the seller is in overseas, is there any special methods on safe packing and shipping of these beloved pairs? This is the major problem which I have to overcome before proceed with the seller.

Please help me. Thanks.

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I am not sure if this is the proper title about the topic. However I am keen to know the performance as compared with old AR-3a.

Thank you for your input. :P

The rear panel is that of an AR-3a Limited (Asian) not Improved (European) as stated by others. Two things stand out: first, the L-pads have overheated and probably caught on fire melting the back panel. There will be major restoration required as all the crossover components were mounted on a printed circuit board/Masonite board with rubber spacers between. The pots leads were soldered into the board, and its shaft was fastened to the integral Masonite back of this two-layer structure. I would guess that the unit you are vieweing has no crossover at all! It looks like it has vaporized!

Second, the Genuine AR-3a Limited had a "picture frame" front similar to the US AR-3a, with the exception that its width was 1-inch instead of 1-1/4 inch, and it was not walnut but vinyl covered. This frame in your picture is that of a European AR-3a Improved.

Has someone tried to rebuild these??? as they are with destroyed crossovers, they aren't worth much!

For your comparison, I have attached an advertisement (Japanese) given to me by Minh Luong. You can see the genuine frame in it. Also a photo of a genuine AR-3a Limited crossover; also the schematic wiring of the crossover. You see the big hole in the back of the cabinet in your photo indicates the L-pads have been vaporized!

I have rebuilt 3 pair of these speakers and they are my favorite, as they dealt all the issues folks on the fourm found to be a problem. 1) L-pads replaced pots. 2) ferrofluid tweeters and midranges replaced originals and crossover mods to maintain flat response, 3) For me, tweeter replacement would be the major problem in making a fourth pair. I would use a pair of AR-11 or AR-10pi tweeters.

Were I you, I would get a standard pair of AR-3a and make the mods yourself--lots cheaper than shipping. The crossover circuitry is attached as well. you could even buy "boutique" capacitors for less than the shipping!

Cheers,

John

post-100900-1239678779.jpg

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The rear panel is that of an AR-3a Limited (Asian) not Improved (European) as stated by others. Two things stand out: first, the L-pads have overheated and probably caught on fire melting the back panel. There will be major restoration required as all the crossover components were mounted on a printed circuit board/Masonite board with rubber spacers between. The pots leads were soldered into the board, and its shaft was fastened to the integral Masonite back of this two-layer structure. I would guess that the unit you are vieweing has no crossover at all! It looks like it has vaporized!

Second, the Genuine AR-3a Limited had a "picture frame" front similar to the US AR-3a, with the exception that its width was 1-inch instead of 1-1/4 inch, and it was not walnut but vinyl covered. This frame in your picture is that of a European AR-3a Improved.

Has someone tried to rebuild these??? as they are with destroyed crossovers, they aren't worth much!

Are we looking at the same picture? What I see is an intact rear panel viewed through a hole torn in the clear plastic shipping wrap. The front view is cropped too close to tell if there's a "picture frame" around the front, but what is visible is consistent with the unfinished recess in the front of the speaker in Minh's Limited picture.

If it was me, I would also prefer a US model because I hate fake wood, but if that wasn't an issue I would ask the seller to send more pictures from various angles and with more of the plastic wrap pulled back.

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Are we looking at the same picture? What I see is an intact rear panel viewed through a hole torn in the clear plastic shipping wrap. The front view is cropped too close to tell if there's a "picture frame" around the front, but what is visible is consistent with the unfinished recess in the front of the speaker in Minh's Limited picture.

If it was me, I would also prefer a US model because I hate fake wood, but if that wasn't an issue I would ask the seller to send more pictures from various angles and with more of the plastic wrap pulled back.

my apology for not seeing the wrap! have never seen one wrapped like that. The front frame very much looks narrower than one inch! It looks like the AR-11 or Improved frame to me. I would certainly like to see photos of the backsides of the tweets and mids to ensure that they were the correct Tonegen drivers.

Yes, absolutely more pictures!

Cheers,

John

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If they were not made by AR, but under license, they may not have had original AR-Limited cabinets. My personal feeling is that I would rather modify a set of old AR-3a wood cabinets rather than vinyl rather than pay shipping. In this way one gets the original AR-3a woofer with is excellent bass.

Cheers,

John

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Hi Gary

What is the serial number on this AR-3a Limited and its mate? 00254? Where is this speaker located? The pictured speaker looks authentic to me and the vinyl covered MDF speaker was made in MA, USA as the label said, not being licensed and made in Asia. It has 1" frame covered with walnut vinyl as well and the beige color long strip around three side of the front baffle in your picture is velcro used to fasten the speaker grill, not thin frame...

Minh Luong

mluong303@aol.com

post-101112-1239684948.jpg

post-101112-1239687051.jpg

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http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Boar...l=ar3a+improved

" One of the pics from another collector, Mr. Minh who owns the Ar3A Limited, indeed shared the same crossover as the 3A improved. " posted by classicroy was very misleading! I believe at the time he try to sell the crossovers or his AR speakers on eBay.

The European thin framed AR-3a Improved has a single AB position switch for both tweeter and midrange adjustment which is completely different from the 1989 AR-3a Limited crossover! The following pictures are the AR-3a Limited crossovers that I own few years ago and the Japanese StereoSound review of the AR-3a Limited I posted a while back!

Minh Luong

post-101112-1239689951.jpg

post-101112-1239689969.jpg

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Hi Gary

What is the serial number on this AR-3a Limited and its mate? 00254? Where is this speaker located? The pictured speaker looks authentic to me and the vinyl covered MDF speaker was made in MA, USA as the label said, not being licensed and made in Asia. It has 1" frame covered with walnut vinyl as well and the beige color long strip around three side of the front baffle in your picture is velcro used to fasten the speaker grill, not thin frame...

Minh Luong

mluong303@aol.com

Hi Minh Luong,

The seller will let me know the serial number by tonight. They are now in Taiwan and the seller has promised to reserve for me. I talked to him in depth. He is a kind man and I strongly believe that this is a genuine AR-3a. -_-

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Guest Sonnar
post-104085-1240001802.jpgHello. As you can see I have a pair of AR 3a Replica ( by Teledyne ?)that I bought in 1991 ( the ones with brown grille near original AR 2). My speakers are marked " MADE IN USA " and the furniture is genuine wood, not viniyl. As you can see in the picture, the original AR 3 oiled walnut are darker. Sonically, they're very similar to original AR 3a, just a little brighter in the midrange and more damped in the low section. However, I prefer the original AR 3. Best regards, Adriano Galvani, Rome, Italy
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Hello. As you can see I have a pair of AR 3a Replica ( by Teledyne ?)that I bought in 1991 ( the ones with brown grille near original AR 2). My speakers are marked " MADE IN USA " and the furniture is genuine wood, not viniyl.

Did you buy these new from a dealer? If so, where? What are the serial numbers?

Thanks,

Roy

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Did you buy these new from a dealer? If so, where? What are the serial numbers?

Thanks,

Roy

I have made booking for these speakers. They are seldom use and are taken good care so far. The owner said one of the serial number is HM00254B (not so clear due to aged). But he told me that these are real wood veneer!? ;) Not sure...

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The owner said one of the serial number is HM00254B (not so clear due to aged). But he told me that these are real wood veneer!? ;) Not sure...

Hi Gary

What about the serial number on the other speaker? The original picture you posted is walnut vinyl covered MDF cabinet, for sure! I had seen enough pairs to say this.

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Hi Gary

What about the serial number on the other speaker? The original picture you posted is walnut vinyl covered MDF cabinet, for sure! I had seen enough pairs to say this.

I agreed with you they are vinyl covered pairs. The seller only revealed one of the Serial No. I have contacted the seller in HK. The price is 2.5x higher than that offered by Taiwanese. However, the other two pairs original AR-3as' are just attractive to me. ;)

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Guest Sonnar

post-104085-1240083184.jpgpost-104085-1240083109.jpgpost-104085-1240083003.jpg

='RoyC' date='Apr 18 2009, 12:15 AM' post='79019']

Did you buy these new from a dealer? If so, where? What are the serial numbers?

Thanks,

Roy

Hello, Roy, I bought these AR 3a Replica new in an Hi-fi shop in Rome, Italy, in 1991. The package was identical to the original, with the red old AR logo. These AR are made in USA as you can read on the label, and they're made by Teledyne Acoustic Research. Unlike the original , these are finished also on back side. But it's real wood, not vinyl. The external dimensions are identical to the original, and so the loudspeakers. It's very difficult to detect any differences in sound with the original 1969 AR 3a, maybe the replica is slightly bright and more damped and firm in the bass. Voices are absolutely marvelous. Cheers, Adriano

post-104085-1240083056.jpg

post-104085-1240083267.jpg

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Hello, Roy, I bought these AR 3a Replica new in an Hi-fi shop in Rome, Italy, in 1991. The package was identical to the original, with the red old AR logo. These AR are made in USA as you can read on the label, and they're made by Teledyne Acoustic Research. Unlike the original , these are finished also on back side. But it's real wood, not vinyl. The external dimensions are identical to the original, and so the loudspeakers. It's very difficult to detect any differences in sound with the original 1969 AR 3a, maybe the replica is slightly bright and more damped and firm in the bass. Voices are absolutely marvelous. Cheers, Adriano

Thanks, Adriano,

Your "AR-3a replicas" look very nice!

Other than the vinyl-clad Asian "AR-3a Limited" of the early '90s, I had no idea there was ever another AR-3a on the market after the late '70s. Based on the rear terminal panel, and the date of your purchase, your replicas appear to be a European version of the 3a Limited, but with real walnut veneer and dark grille cloth. I'm willing to bet they have the same crossover and Tonegen drivers as the Limited. As I believe John mentioned earlier in this thread, the Limited crossover differed slightly from the original 3a to compensate for the 8 ohm l-pads and the AR-11/10pi type tweeter. (Another photo with the grille off would likely confirm the similarities with the 3a Limited.) What is also interesting is that the typical original AR-3a sold in Europe had the thin front baffle molding like the "AR-3a Improved" of the mid 70's, and yours have the thick molding like those that were sold in the US.

Of course, I also had no idea the AR-3a Limited was manufactured in a version with a narrow molding cabinet, as pictured at the beginning of this thread.

...just when we thought we had the AR-3a "family tree" figured out...;)

Roy

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Guest Sonnar

AR 3a improved with thin frame, made in England, are sold in Italy only since 1975. Before, original US AR 3a with larger frame were sold since 1967-68 until 1975. They're very popular at the time in Italy, so they're very easy to find today. My father bought an pair in 1968, with an AR Amplifier that I still have and an AR Xa turntable. Best Regards, Adriano

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