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In Reply to: RE: Amp for new AR 3 owner posted by hahax@verizon.net on October 17, 2015 at 21:03:55
The AR3 and 3a have a stepped on axis frequency response. Set to the "dot", midrange level was -3bd relative to the woofer, and tweeter level was attenuated by an additional -3db. However the dome drivers have outstanding off axis response- much better than contemporary competition and still excellent by the standards of today. Why is this important? AR designed their speakers to reproduce acoustic instruments playing in a reverberant concert hall, from a seating position of mid hall. Home placement directions were for a listening distance of 10-15 ft from the plane of the speakers. The listener would hear a mix of on axis and reflected sound, with reflected sound filling in a portion of the stepped mid and HF frequency response. Perfect for a symphony or jazz group. Not so good for RnR.
Suggest you start with the level pots set to the dot, then see if a higher setting sounds better. With levels set to max, midrange response is essentially flat relative to the woofer, and the tweeter is approximately -3db.
The dome drivers are 50-55 yeas old. Overdriving will harm them. Clipping from an underpowered amp will destroy them.
Best, Ross
- I have extensive experience with AR speakers. I have pairs of 3a/ 11/ 5/ 2ax and 92.
Follow Ups:
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm looking forward to trying them.
I certainly will be careful about overdriving them. I listen typically at very moderate levels. There won't be any underpowered amps being used. I have 3 amps that will deliver 170, 200, and 350 watts. So I think I'll be set there.
My listening position is about 12 feet from the speakers. Looks like I'm ready for take off. Now just have to get the speakers.
Playing at normal or even high levels with high power amps is not a problem. Mid 80s average levels only take a watt or 2 and musical peaks are mostly ultra short especially on classical music. In fact a good high power amp will be better behaved at levels way below capacity than a small amp.
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