what to do with a pair of AR-9's


When I was 16 I was able to save enough to purchase a used pair of Acoustic Research AR-9's. Today I am 28 and upon returning to my Parents house and uncovering the gentle giants, I find have found all of the cone type drivers (four passive side firing 12's and a pair of 8 inch lower mids) have dry rotted away. I though I might try to install new surrounds but my non-audiophile father tried to repair them himself and accidently dissolved what little foam was left. I fear that even if the surrounds were replaced there may be permanent damage to the voice coils. I am therefore hoping that someone could suggest some moderate to low cost replacement drivers. If I can repair them they will become a background music speaker in our living room. If not does anyone need a large pair of cabinets with crossovers and high range drivers? I need help. My wife (Emily) thinks this is a lost cause) Thanks, Curt
emily

Showing 1 response by sean

Curt, contact Steve Tidwell at Layne Audio regarding directions for proper packing and ship them to him. He specializes in these speakers, is quite honest and is reasonably priced. I've had him do drivers from my collection of modified AR's ( 9's for the mains, 90's for the surrounds and a custom built center using matching AR drivers ).

His website address is: http://layneaudio.hypermart.net/

Another site that you and any fan of "classic" speakers will find interesting is as follows. You will also notice that they too recommend using Layne Audio:

http://www.arsenal.net/speakers/index.htm

While these speakers might be "old", they were extremely advanced for their day and age. As such, doing some simple upgrades to the internal wiring and replacing the antiquated and dried up caps can net you speakers that would retail for thousands upon thousands of dollars nowadays. Feel free to email me should you have any questions. If you don't want to put the effort into repairing or upgrading them, please DO contact me. I'm sure that we can work something out. Sean
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