{"product_id":"acoustic-research-ar3-rare-utility-versions","title":"Acoustic Research AR3, Rare \"Utility\" Versions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Acoustic Research AR3 has been more influential to loudspeaker design than pretty much any other. The earlier AR1 set a new benchmark for loudspeaker technology with its acoustic suspension design, but the AR3 took things to a whole new level in 1958 with mid and upper frequency drivers that the industry had never witness before.  The system was so outstandingly accurate that experts of the time had trouble identifying whether a recording or a live concert was playing in front of them.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AR3 speaker was designed by Edgar Villchur, one of AR's founders.  Acoustic Research had also implemented a new tweeter design, developed by Villchur, called the \"hemispherical dome direct radiator tweeter.\"  Besides the newly invented dome tweeter, Villchur's loudspeaker also received the AR-1s woofer from 1954. These innovations caused the AR3 speaker to gain a reputation for being the \"most accurate loudspeaker at any cost\", and led to its usage in many professional settings, such as concert halls or record studios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set has came to us finished in a hideous faux-woodgrain paint job...Like a Michael's Craft Store had exploded on it.  We carefully removed all of the old house paint and discovered that these are fairly uncommon (rare?) \"utility cabinets.\"  The original plywood enclosures have been exposed and treated, and the beautiful solid maple face frames now glisten.  If you are into vintage, but tired of the same-old dark walnut boxes, these are the speakers for you.  New grille cloth finishes them off beautifully. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the outside, the inside has also been restored and upgraded to ensure another 65+ years of musical enjoyment.  Both phenolic hemispherical dome tweeters have been reset in their assemblies and tested to ensure proper operation.  The crossover potentiometers have been replaced with studier versions that we have custom-made for the job, and the crossover capacitors have been replaced with modern, mylar film type for the best possible sound quality. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are truly special speakers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDemos are available in Andover, MA. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003e$2,249 (plus applicable sales tax)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ci\u003eWe realize the funky orange cloth might not be for everyone, so if it's a dealbreaker, reach out and we can fit something more plain.  But, consider living a little with some color!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ci\u003eConventional shipping is not available.  Please enquire about freight options. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Holt Hill Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67692314198083,"sku":null,"price":2249.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2197\/6387\/files\/AcousticResearchAR3Creamsicles11.jpg?v=1792093449","url":"https:\/\/holthill.com\/products\/acoustic-research-ar3-rare-utility-versions","provider":"Holt Hill Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}