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How much are AR AR3's worth these days?


So I have these Acoustic Research AR3s that I found at an estate sale. The speakers were held hostage inside some nice walnut cabinet cabinets, and so the grills and dark walnut veneer never really saw (literally) the light of day. But Im having trouble pricing them accordingly.


The AR3s have been protected in there for years if not decad, based on the 1970s/1980s furniture design.. Both speakers worked OK, but now one speaker has petered out and is not working. First the midrange started going out, then the tweeter, and finally the woofer.

But its easy to replace the foam/rubber, drivers, pots, etc. Lots of DIY vids for vintage AR3s online.

Unfortunately, I have to move again and cannot take these AR3s with me. And I never got a chance to refurb them, but oh well.

An internet search showed that these go for $1200-2500. Most were in decent shape, but some looked like the dog had peed on them for years (or decades!). Cosmetically, my pair seems to be the best of the bunch for original AR3s. Some looked very good but had been refurbed.


So, what price would you sell them for?

I put an ad on Craigslist last night for $1000 and within 5-10 minutes, I had 4 offers to buy at my asking price.

I quickly took down the ad and told them I would be in touch.

What do you think??

oh, you can see the pics here on my Google doc page:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FyodpVLWHrn84GcE9


Thanks!

128x1281graber2
davekayc
173 posts
 
they are only worth anything to the right person.  I wouldnt pay that much for them even working . If you wanted them gone and someone honestly likes them you should have let them go. Likely to a better home that isnt going to blow them up . 
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
So four people honor your asking price and you pull the ad and leave them hanging so you can get more money.  To me that's one of the definitions of the "Craigslist Loser".
tomrk
66 posts
 
If they are in the condition you claim, don’t touch them, just put them up for bid on an auction site. Sell them as-is. If you try to improve them as as a hobbyist, you’ll reduce the value in the eyes of collectors who will pay top price for the chance to have them professionally refurbed.

BTW, the lpads in back are shot which is why the speakers stopped working. The speakers are almost certainly fine, although the woofers probably could use a refoam.
They have a great story, tell the story, and let people bid for them. Or just take the $1K you’ve been offered.
mschott's avatar
mschott
131 posts
 
I’m with those that think the OP is acting poorly re his Craigslist ad. It’s not an auction site. 
rodman99999
6,023 posts
 
List me three times, low-rent(1gobbler2). The less those of your ilk think of me, the better I feel. Some of us(realists) call the facts, as we see ’em!
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