Acoustic Research AR-3

Here's a link that might be useful for you in your quest to restore your AR-3.

http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Board/

The Classic Speakers site is for people who enjoy the old Boston Speakers such as Acoustic Research, and Advents, and would probably be in the best position to give you the information you need about restoring your AR-3s. Btw, many around here will try to get you to buy newer speakers, and in some ways I'm in agreement with their arguments. Nevertheless, there are many who enjoy collecting and restoring and listening to vintage audio equipment. Good luck in your restoration project.

Contact Bill LeGall at Miller Sound in Lansdale, Pa. He is a master speaker rebuilder of any kind of speaker from vintage to modern. And is extremely reasonable. Bill could give you an accurate idea of what would be involved and I am sure a quote for doing it in his shop if you chose that path. He would not only refoam but recone (spiders included) and modernize the crossover with modern electrolytic caps etc. The results on speakers (like your AR3) that Bill did for me was nothing short of amazing. While remaining true to the sound of the original speaker they were nonetheless transformed due to the crossover and Bills voicing of them to an amazing degree.

I agree with Bbro.Bill Legall is the speaker Master. I have two pair of AR3s and they sound wonderful. Bill is going to work on a pair of Large Advents for me as soon as I can get them to him. They need new woofer surrounds, updated crossovers and what ever else he determins needs to be done.
I have known Bill for several years and been in his shop. He is a Master when it comes to speaker rebuilding.I will not even think of anyone else.
Good luck. I am sure that you will not be disapointed.
(Carter Asbill)

I have a pristine pair that my dad bought new (still have the receipt and manuals. They are wonderful, well noted for their superior sound. I have AR-1's, 3-A's....man, I have a ton of stuff from him. He was quite the audiophile. He passed in July. Anyway, you'll love them.

@Nasja...I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your dad is a tough thing to deal with. Keep your chin up.

_Ben