First of all, these are not the vintage AR9's that weigh over 100 lbs.
These AR9's are newer version sort of (2000-2001) they are a different design from the early days. The Hi-Res series was the flagship line of Acoustic Research when AR and NHT were under the same roof. The parent company (Recoton) ran into financial problems and sold NHT to try an save them. They filed bankruptcy then AR was sold to Audiovox who took on all of AR's debt, the cable division was sold (GE) seperatly as well.
These are 37 H x 8.75 W x 17 D; 65 lbs with one 10" woofer on the side.
Initial impressions:
Very well built and solid. I got the cherry woodgrain version and it's beautiful and elegant; looks more luxurious than others I have.
A/B with JBL CF120.
-------------------
JBL's are more efficient and louder at the same volume since they have 96db sensitivity.
JBL's are also brighter.
After listening to AR9's, these are more punchy and smoother than the JBL's.
For HT application, AR9's blew JBL's completely. AR9's imaging of HT sound is so better that even in stereo, I could feel the sound moving back and forth completely seperate while the JBL's have muddled up sound sometimes when sound moves from L/R/L quickly. I didn't realize JBL's sound somewhat muddy/boomy until I heard the AR9's. I definitely need more powerful receiver for these.
Anyone has/had heard these?
Will compare with Polk Monitor 5B's and ADS L620 next.
Got them from CL for less than a hundy. Searched online but very few links and information.
http://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=Tee
Product site:
http://www.digital.com.uy/ar/hi_res/ar9.htm
----------------------------------------
AR9
3-Way Tower
SIMPLY STATED, THE HI-RES SERIES LOUDSPEAKERS ARE THE ULTIMATE IN SOUND REPRODUCTION, COMPETING WITH SPEAKERS TWICE THEIR PRICE
Leave it to the company that forged the history of home audio to add a whole new element to the mix. Introducing the Hi-RES Series loudspeakers from Acoustic Research -- an unprecedented combination of classic looks, innovative features, and revolutionary metal alloy components. From plasma-transferred diamond hardened titanium dome tweeters, and our exclusive MagAlloy midranges, to Bob Carver/Sunfire high efficiency amplifiers in our powered tower and subwoofers. The result is solid sonic precision and unyielding tonal accuracy in any home theater or stereo configuration. This is the new standard for high-output, higher-fidelity performance. This is Hi-RES.
Precision requires exacting standards. Given the demands of today's digital sources, there is simply no way to accurately reproduce the quality of these recordings without due consideration of the components that must sustain it. The new Hi-RES tower loudspeakers from Acoustic Research were conceived as a defining statement of sound reproduction and dynamic response. Each internal component has been specially designed and fitted together to faithfully reproduce all of the dynamics of the original oudio experience, consistently and on demand. And, thanks to side-firing low frequency drivers, these sleek, elegant towers fit perfectly into any room decor and complement any architectural taste.
Acoustic Research
Dimensions (HxWxD): 37" x 9 5/16" x 17"
Driver complement: Plasma Transferred Diamond Hardened 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter
Dual 5 1/4" MagAlloy Monocoque Mid-Range
10" Side-firing High Excursion Woofer
All transducers are Magnetically Shielded
Frequency response: 32Hz-23KHz ±2dB
Crossover frequency: 100Hz and 3.2KHz
Sensitivity: 92dB @ 2.83 Volts/Meter
System impedance: 8 Ohms Nominal
Recommended amp. power: 20 Watts~250 Watts
Finish: Black ash, cherry woodgrain
--------------------------------------------
Some pictures:
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
Thanks.
These AR9's are newer version sort of (2000-2001) they are a different design from the early days. The Hi-Res series was the flagship line of Acoustic Research when AR and NHT were under the same roof. The parent company (Recoton) ran into financial problems and sold NHT to try an save them. They filed bankruptcy then AR was sold to Audiovox who took on all of AR's debt, the cable division was sold (GE) seperatly as well.
These are 37 H x 8.75 W x 17 D; 65 lbs with one 10" woofer on the side.
Initial impressions:
Very well built and solid. I got the cherry woodgrain version and it's beautiful and elegant; looks more luxurious than others I have.
A/B with JBL CF120.
-------------------
JBL's are more efficient and louder at the same volume since they have 96db sensitivity.
JBL's are also brighter.
After listening to AR9's, these are more punchy and smoother than the JBL's.
For HT application, AR9's blew JBL's completely. AR9's imaging of HT sound is so better that even in stereo, I could feel the sound moving back and forth completely seperate while the JBL's have muddled up sound sometimes when sound moves from L/R/L quickly. I didn't realize JBL's sound somewhat muddy/boomy until I heard the AR9's. I definitely need more powerful receiver for these.
Anyone has/had heard these?
Will compare with Polk Monitor 5B's and ADS L620 next.
Got them from CL for less than a hundy. Searched online but very few links and information.
http://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=Tee
Product site:
http://www.digital.com.uy/ar/hi_res/ar9.htm
----------------------------------------
AR9
3-Way Tower
SIMPLY STATED, THE HI-RES SERIES LOUDSPEAKERS ARE THE ULTIMATE IN SOUND REPRODUCTION, COMPETING WITH SPEAKERS TWICE THEIR PRICE
Leave it to the company that forged the history of home audio to add a whole new element to the mix. Introducing the Hi-RES Series loudspeakers from Acoustic Research -- an unprecedented combination of classic looks, innovative features, and revolutionary metal alloy components. From plasma-transferred diamond hardened titanium dome tweeters, and our exclusive MagAlloy midranges, to Bob Carver/Sunfire high efficiency amplifiers in our powered tower and subwoofers. The result is solid sonic precision and unyielding tonal accuracy in any home theater or stereo configuration. This is the new standard for high-output, higher-fidelity performance. This is Hi-RES.
Precision requires exacting standards. Given the demands of today's digital sources, there is simply no way to accurately reproduce the quality of these recordings without due consideration of the components that must sustain it. The new Hi-RES tower loudspeakers from Acoustic Research were conceived as a defining statement of sound reproduction and dynamic response. Each internal component has been specially designed and fitted together to faithfully reproduce all of the dynamics of the original oudio experience, consistently and on demand. And, thanks to side-firing low frequency drivers, these sleek, elegant towers fit perfectly into any room decor and complement any architectural taste.
Acoustic Research
Dimensions (HxWxD): 37" x 9 5/16" x 17"
Driver complement: Plasma Transferred Diamond Hardened 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter
Dual 5 1/4" MagAlloy Monocoque Mid-Range
10" Side-firing High Excursion Woofer
All transducers are Magnetically Shielded
Frequency response: 32Hz-23KHz ±2dB
Crossover frequency: 100Hz and 3.2KHz
Sensitivity: 92dB @ 2.83 Volts/Meter
System impedance: 8 Ohms Nominal
Recommended amp. power: 20 Watts~250 Watts
Finish: Black ash, cherry woodgrain
--------------------------------------------
Some pictures:
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
Thanks.
