vintage versus modern speakers

I bought my AR9's new in 1981, and at the time the critics agreed that you could buy bigger and more expensive speakers but not better ones. And Infinities and ADS were around at the time, and the AR line-up outperformed every other speaker I heard IMO.

I was passionate over my 9's. Their dual ll" subs could blow you away; the upper bass-lower mids could send shivers down your spine; and they could talk. But the 4 ohm impedence and large woofers made them so frickin hard to drive (expensive as well). The crossovers died some time ago so then I ran the 90's--one size down. STill frickin hard to drive with my hk990 (150w/8ohms;300w/4ohms.

I picked up a pair of precursers to the the Revel line for cheap on audiogon last fall, probably the first pair of speakers Dr. Floyd Toole designed for Harman--100lb 3-way floor standers. There is no doubt that they are very clean, low distortion speakers compared with my vintage AR's.

That's my sad story. I'm transitioning to the 21st century. My stubborness had to yield to reality. No more vintage speakers for me.

I don't disagree with all of the above, but I would add that The Doors LA Woman album for example is very listenable because in part at least it was not overmixed. Some of the old Chicago as well. I admit though my editions are remastered as well.

The vintage AR's, specificly 9's and little brothers, were not "hollow in the middle" but were set apart and easily distinguishable from competitors by their balance, midrange presence, flat frequency response and were not popular with the rockers. Point being that flat frequency response is not the only factor distinguishing vintage speakers from contemporary brands. The vintage AR's still don't hold up in comparison to today's audiophile brands. But if flat frequency response is the main consideration, get a pair of early 80's AR's. There are still plenty around.