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Since we don’t know where we are going we have to stick together in case someone gets there….Ken Kesey.
Idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper REALLY likes you.
And the boots you lick will stomp you too. -
This is more like it .^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Price too.
I don't see them come up for sale much but lately they're everywhere.
I've never heard a pair of this model but I did own a pr. of the 3x's and like a dummy, I got the grill off, saw the deteriated woofer surround and strange mid and tweeter. I tested them and I don't believe the mids or tweeters worked and I tossed them in the trash.
The cabinets were ROUGH! But they could've been refinished for sure.
I paid 6.00 for the pair at a Goodwill store about 15 years ago.
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
--Mark Twain.
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright -
Are these any good. AR 2ax?
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I got a pair of AR-2ax a couple of weeks ago, and have been working on them, so can give some fresh perspective. Those look different in a couple of ways.
Here is a pic from the CL listing that MotorHead provided, and these look like mine.
The woofer in that first pair looks like a replacement. It looks to have a fairly new foam surround, the cone looks new, voice coil leads are located in a different spot (notice in the third pic the leads - little dots - are located on opposite sides of the dust cap), it's also missing the little foam ring around the dust cap, and the frame is black instead of brushed, raw metal like shown in the third pic.
I think there were two types of tweeters used in the 2ax: phenolic dome and soft/textile dome. The tweeter in the first pic must be the phenolic black dome, and notice it has three little orange points around the edge, whereas the tweeter in the lower pic has four of those points and the brownish textile dome. The mountings are different as well with three flat-head screws in the first versus six counter-sunk screws in the latter.
The crossovers in these speakers are pretty basic, with two high-pass caps (one for mid and one for high/tweeter), and then two potentiometers (mid and high). In the pair I got, the caps had been replaced (w/Solen), but the pots were still original and terrible. I replaced the pots. I also replaced the grills, and interestingly enough, the first pair above look to have the exact same replacement grills I got, which are nice...although that pic isn't so great, or maybe they already have some age on them.
So, after fixing mine up, how do they sound? Well, there's no point in adjusting the mid and high pots to anything except all the way up. IMO, the highs roll-off too much otherwise. In fact, by-passing the pots altogether may be best, and I read how a lot of folks actually do that. Having said that, I think these sound pretty darn good for their age once the internals are updated. In a proper listening position (seated), they have a rich, warm sound, with enough detail in the highs to satisfy, and definitely not fatiguing or shrieking. While standing, you miss some of the detail in the highs. With two high-pass caps, you get a blending of the higher frequencies with the mid and tweeter, and the tweeter is not all that loud. The bass is warm and effective, but not all that defined. I have them hooked-up to a second system, and was doing an A/B comparison with a pair of Infinity Column II. Frankly, the Infinitys sounded much better to my ears at moderate-to-loud listening levels, but the ARs would be really nice at lower levels in a seated position.
There was no fill material of any type in mine, and I wonder if they originally had any. Also, I wonder if a simple internal brace between the front baffle and the back of the cabinet would provide any benefit. The cabinet box has quite a bit of resonance, and can sound a little loose. The wooden stands are cool and retro, but of course they can wobble a bit on a hard floor, so you have to think that solidifying everything somehow would help."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Happy to help. FWIW, in addition to my Infinity Column II, I also have a pair of RSIIIa, and RS5. If I were you, I would not trade your RS5B in any kind of deal for the AR-2ax. Got to love those Emit tweeters
From a collectible standpoint, the ARs are really cool, get serious retro styling points, and sound ok. But for pure performance, IMO the Infinitys sound better. Hmmm...perhaps I should try my RS5B for a more comparable A/B as far as size."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Here's a pair in Wilm. NC. for 200.00.
Been here for 19 days now.
https://wilmington.craigslist.org/ele/d/vintage-ar-2x-floor-speakers/6754746695.html
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
--Mark Twain.
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright -
Not to split hairs or anything, but those ^^^ are 2x, not 2ax
They will not have the 'super tweeter' as it was known. "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Pair of VMPS subwoofers for a really good deal:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-VMPS-Large-Subwoofers-Earth-Shaking-Subs/323592572735 -
Thank god I’m not close. I still want one of these, or to build one similar..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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I'm close... Just saying. But Jesse is closer
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I'm close... Just saying. But Jesse is closer
My wants and my wallet are not properly aligned....
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »
That is my life... -
EndersShadow wrote: »
I suggest you try a new tailor.
Seriously though, since I retired on a fixed income, I don't know why I come on here - it just lures me into penury. -
EndersShadow wrote: »
I suggest you try a new tailor.
Seriously though, since I retired on a fixed income, I don't know why I come on here - it just lures me into penury.
I have a proper tailor (my conscience). He makes sure I’m not spending money for bills on audio gear by misaligning the two intentionally.
Then once in awhile the two align and I get something new..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »EndersShadow wrote: »
I suggest you try a new tailor.
Seriously though, since I retired on a fixed income, I don't know why I come on here - it just lures me into penury.
I have a proper tailor (my conscience). He makes sure I’m not spending money for bills on audio gear by misaligning the two intentionally.
Then once in awhile the two align and I get something new...
I don't have a tailor, but I have a wife. -
EndersShadow wrote: »EndersShadow wrote: »
I suggest you try a new tailor.
Seriously though, since I retired on a fixed income, I don't know why I come on here - it just lures me into penury.
I have a proper tailor (my conscience). He makes sure I’m not spending money for bills on audio gear by misaligning the two intentionally.
Then once in awhile the two align and I get something new...
I don't have a tailor, but I have a wife.
She’s the second line defense
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »
I suggest you try a new tailor.
Seriously though, since I retired on a fixed income, I don't know why I come on here - it just lures me into penury.
That there is funny. ^^^^ And I learned a new word tonight too.
pen·u·ry
[ˈpenyərē]
NOUN
extreme poverty; destitution.
"he died in a state of virtual penury"
synonyms:
extreme/dire poverty · pennilessness · impecuniousness · impoverishment · indigence · need · neediness · want · destitution · privation · deprivation · hardship · beggary · [more]
Neediness / needing was I for 35 years.
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
--Mark Twain.
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright -
VMPS Super Tower III Special Ribbon Edition. 325 lbs each. Local pickup only in Roswell, GA. No affiliation.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VMPS-Super-Tower-III-Special-Ribbon-Edition/123537818283
Expect that there will be bumps in the road. Choose to not let them rattle you.
Polk - Monitor 10As, SDA 2Bs, LSi9s, White RTi4s, S4s, M3s, various centers.
Boston - CR7, CR6s, CR4s.
Subs - M&K V4, M&K VX-7B, JBL SUB150P, Jamo Sub 250, and others.
Thompson Adventures, Inc. -
Wow
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My wife would call a divorce lawyer if I brought those Vmps home. Seriously.
These are close enough to me to warrant a road trip easily but I'm going to have to pass. Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
--Mark Twain.
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright -
Those vmps are about 20 minutes from me, good thing I’m in the middle of a move or id be a little tempted.,2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave
2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius -
My wife would call a divorce lawyer if I brought those Vmps home. Seriously.
These are close enough to me to warrant a road trip easily but I'm going to have to pass.
WAF block for him was my second thought on seeing them. LOLExpect that there will be bumps in the road. Choose to not let them rattle you.
Polk - Monitor 10As, SDA 2Bs, LSi9s, White RTi4s, S4s, M3s, various centers.
Boston - CR7, CR6s, CR4s.
Subs - M&K V4, M&K VX-7B, JBL SUB150P, Jamo Sub 250, and others.
Thompson Adventures, Inc. -
Those are awesome. Bragging rights for sure. Peace. DMIT Magnum MH-750, Monster HTS 5100MKII, Sony 77" Class - A80CJ Series - 4K UHD OLED,PS4, Def Tech 15” sub,LSIM 706c, Sunfire Signature Grand 425 x 4,Parasound hca 120, LSiM 702 x 4, Oppo 103D, SDA SRS 1.2, Pioneer Elite SC63 , Pioneer Elite BDP-05 “Why did you get married if you wanted big speakers?”
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And I like a good deal!
1/4 the MSRP ...
Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
--Mark Twain.
“If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright -
If you can deal with white speakers, A4L is having stupid deals on Focal Aria speakers right now
926’s for 1600 is just dumb https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/focalaria926whta/focal-aria-926-6.5-3-way-floorstanding-speaker-white-pair/1.html
The 936 are 2300 which is also dumb cheap2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave
2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius -
I am suprised at the specs on the focal 926 only play to 45 hz.
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That’s a +/- 3bd spec, which IMO for a compact tower is not too shabby. I have never wanted for more low end performance with my pair2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave
2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius -
I've never heard of ShengYa, looks like vincent gear.
Sadly the amp is local pick up only, and everything else ships
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/61442700
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/61442166
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/61442558 -
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That amp looks interesting.
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It's in Charlotte! Woohoo! Near the Warehouse!
