Acoustic Research - AR-12 Speaker set

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Ariel Cabello
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Selected by Ariel Cabello

Holds dual bachelor's degrees in electronics and physics with 20 years in audio engineering.

Estimate  € 550 - € 650
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Acoustic Research AR-12 3‑way bookshelf speakers, manufactured in 1977, in excellent physical condition and tested and working, supplied as two items without cables, with a 250 mm woofer, 56 mm midrange and 19 mm tweeter, 354 × 635 × 273 mm, 34 kg total, 8 Ω impedance, 86 dB sensitivity, 36 Hz–30 kHz frequency response, 100 W rated power, non‑original grilles.

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Description from the seller

These columns were produced in the USA between 1976 and 1977. They are an evolution of the AR-10pi and AR-11, which had 12-inch woofers, with the AR-12 replacing the 12-inch woofers with 10-inch ones to achieve faster response, better control, and more dynamism in the bass. Their high cost led to very short production runs, as the public preferred the next model, the AR-14, which was substantially more affordable despite being a two-way system, unlike the previous models which had three-way configurations.
Probably the best model from AR, according to the brand's fans. They are also equipped with the best midrange ever, which has not been used in any other model since... For all these reasons, they are now a valuable and collectible piece.
In sound terms, they link the brand's image with deep and powerful bass, despite being smooth and immersive. Equally smooth as they are precise are the treble and mids, which at no point lose the characteristic immersion of Audio Research speakers. They feature 3-position switches to better adjust the intensity of the mids and treble to suit our room.
They have a commanding presence and fill any room. They make us feel the music like very few speakers are capable of. For me, they are in the top 3 of the best speakers of all time, along with the Infinity IRS V and the Sonus Faber Guardeni Homage.
There is no amplifier with which they perform worse or from which they do not extract their best, making it shine. However, excellence is achieved when connected to tube amplifiers (which are inherently more musical and rounded), or vintage transistor amplifiers, which also have a sweeter and warmer sound. Regarding the latter, I recommend Sansui and Sony: what a SOUND!!!
In terms of sources, they are in no way disappointing in valuing digital; but it is with vinyl that they surprise us by showing us sound tones that we had never seen from other places.
As they are very musical, they perform remarkably well in jazz and classical music. However, they also have powerful bass, sharp mids, and precise highs, making them the top choice in rock, pop, and electronic music.
They are in excellent condition, having been fully inspected by a specialized technician. The covers are not original (which were made of sponge and disintegrate over time).

Technical features
Type: 3-way speakers, book shell type.
Response frequency: 36Hz to 30kHz
Power: 100W
Recommended amplification: 25 to 100W
Crossover Frequency: 700, 4,000Hz
Impedance: 8Ω
Sensitivity: 86dB
Woofer: 250mm speaker with acoustic suspension
Midrange: 56mm cone
Tweeter: 19mm hemispherical dome
Dimensions (width x height x depth): 354mm x 635mm x 273mm
Weight: 17kg each

The sad part of an audiophile's life is not having infinite financial capacity or a house with immeasurable space, so they never have to experience the sadness of seeing their beloved toys leave, which brought them so many hours of auditory pleasure... The mission to explore other equipment and soundscapes continues and is stronger than us... Anyway, the consolation is that one day, these will go to another audiophile, who will equally appreciate and enjoy these magnificent speakers.

P.S.: Given the high price, I am unable to estimate the cost. However, I commit to helping the buyer find safe and economical transportation.

These columns were produced in the USA between 1976 and 1977. They are an evolution of the AR-10pi and AR-11, which had 12-inch woofers, with the AR-12 replacing the 12-inch woofers with 10-inch ones to achieve faster response, better control, and more dynamism in the bass. Their high cost led to very short production runs, as the public preferred the next model, the AR-14, which was substantially more affordable despite being a two-way system, unlike the previous models which had three-way configurations.
Probably the best model from AR, according to the brand's fans. They are also equipped with the best midrange ever, which has not been used in any other model since... For all these reasons, they are now a valuable and collectible piece.
In sound terms, they link the brand's image with deep and powerful bass, despite being smooth and immersive. Equally smooth as they are precise are the treble and mids, which at no point lose the characteristic immersion of Audio Research speakers. They feature 3-position switches to better adjust the intensity of the mids and treble to suit our room.
They have a commanding presence and fill any room. They make us feel the music like very few speakers are capable of. For me, they are in the top 3 of the best speakers of all time, along with the Infinity IRS V and the Sonus Faber Guardeni Homage.
There is no amplifier with which they perform worse or from which they do not extract their best, making it shine. However, excellence is achieved when connected to tube amplifiers (which are inherently more musical and rounded), or vintage transistor amplifiers, which also have a sweeter and warmer sound. Regarding the latter, I recommend Sansui and Sony: what a SOUND!!!
In terms of sources, they are in no way disappointing in valuing digital; but it is with vinyl that they surprise us by showing us sound tones that we had never seen from other places.
As they are very musical, they perform remarkably well in jazz and classical music. However, they also have powerful bass, sharp mids, and precise highs, making them the top choice in rock, pop, and electronic music.
They are in excellent condition, having been fully inspected by a specialized technician. The covers are not original (which were made of sponge and disintegrate over time).

Technical features
Type: 3-way speakers, book shell type.
Response frequency: 36Hz to 30kHz
Power: 100W
Recommended amplification: 25 to 100W
Crossover Frequency: 700, 4,000Hz
Impedance: 8Ω
Sensitivity: 86dB
Woofer: 250mm speaker with acoustic suspension
Midrange: 56mm cone
Tweeter: 19mm hemispherical dome
Dimensions (width x height x depth): 354mm x 635mm x 273mm
Weight: 17kg each

The sad part of an audiophile's life is not having infinite financial capacity or a house with immeasurable space, so they never have to experience the sadness of seeing their beloved toys leave, which brought them so many hours of auditory pleasure... The mission to explore other equipment and soundscapes continues and is stronger than us... Anyway, the consolation is that one day, these will go to another audiophile, who will equally appreciate and enjoy these magnificent speakers.

P.S.: Given the high price, I am unable to estimate the cost. However, I commit to helping the buyer find safe and economical transportation.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Acoustic Research
Model
AR-12
Physical condition
Excellent
Nr of items
2
Includes
No cables
Year of Manufacturing
1977
Weight
34 kg
Functional condition
Tested and working/playable
Height
635 mm
Width
354 mm
Depth
273 mm
PortugalVerified
Private

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