Sonicbob, These are superb sounding speakers. I have lived with a pair for about a year now and love them. These speakers are capable of throwing a huge, well defined soundstage with the proper electronics. I use a Plinius 8150 integerated amp and a Sony SCD-1 SACD player. The secret with the AR1 is to keep them away from the back and side walls. Mine are 4 feet from the back wall and 30 inches from the side and also keep the Bass control turned down, between 1 and 1.75. The alpha Core M1-2(speaker)and Micro Purl Silver (interconnects) works well and are priced right. Once these speakers are set up properly you will be amazed at the low Frequency extension and the silky smooth delicate mid and high range. They are great for home theatre also. They only show up source noise If the source has noise. I have noticed none with my Plinius. I know you will enjoy them if you buy them. They are rated a Solid Class B speaker in Sterophile Mag. Best Regards, Dave Hubbard thehub@sonic.net 707-836-0804
Acoustic Research (new AR-1) any good ?
Hello,I am thinking of buying a pair of the new AR-1 speakers.How do they sound? Also I am using a pair of Sound Valves VTA-70 amps strapped to 70 watts mono.One more thing I have found that some speakers with high sensitivity seem to show up a lot of source noise or a hissing sound do these do this? On the new AR-1 speakers the tweeter looks like it is recessed about 1 inch what does this do to the sound? Does it help or smear the image? Thanks Bob
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