AR integrated amp question
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I don't believe these had a model identification. They were just labeled "The AR Stereo Amplifier" or "The AR Stereo Receiver" You should be able to find a serial number but that's about it.
They were made in the late 60s, around 68-69. It was around 60 wpc. Great amp when up to spec, but otherwise kinda muddy sounding.
They were made in the late 60s, around 68-69. It was around 60 wpc. Great amp when up to spec, but otherwise kinda muddy sounding.
onplane
What! No Wake???
That AR amp may be one of the few solid state amps that "sounds like" a tube amp. If you take the cover off, you'll find two audio tranformers.
They are NOT very big, because they are NOT output transformers like in a tube amp. They are between the drivers and the outout stage. Nevertheless, they'll add some amount of even harmonics just as in a tube amp.
Regards,
Jerry
They are NOT very big, because they are NOT output transformers like in a tube amp. They are between the drivers and the outout stage. Nevertheless, they'll add some amount of even harmonics just as in a tube amp.
Regards,
Jerry
Toasted Almond
RIP 1952-2016
I have had one for years. It is The AR Integrated Amplifier, 50wpc into 8 ohms, and 60wpc into 4 ohms. It was largely designed to drive the 4 ohm AR-3a.
The original AR company only manufactured 4 pieces of electronics. The AR Turntable, The AR Integrated Amplifier, The AR FM Tuner, and The AR Receiver. I also have the receiver and it is a prized possession. The Receiver was the integrated amp and the tuner on the same chassis. Great stuff.
The original AR company only manufactured 4 pieces of electronics. The AR Turntable, The AR Integrated Amplifier, The AR FM Tuner, and The AR Receiver. I also have the receiver and it is a prized possession. The Receiver was the integrated amp and the tuner on the same chassis. Great stuff.
onplane
What! No Wake???
Toasted, while the AR amp was designed to drive the AR-3a's, I would use it today on just the mids and tweeters.
Today we have access to way more powerful amps that will do a terrific job on the AR woofers (my woofer amp is 170 wpc).
Where that AR amp will really shine is powering just the mids and tweeters in the AR-3a's. That is, once you "unburden" the amp with the heavy current draw of the woofer, it's true sonic characteristics will flourish.
Regards,
Jerry
Today we have access to way more powerful amps that will do a terrific job on the AR woofers (my woofer amp is 170 wpc).
Where that AR amp will really shine is powering just the mids and tweeters in the AR-3a's. That is, once you "unburden" the amp with the heavy current draw of the woofer, it's true sonic characteristics will flourish.
Regards,
Jerry
Hey ... you guys are great... I've learned more about this amp in the last 24 hours than the last 3 years. I used to own 2 pairs of AR2-AX Didn't know this amp is good for that. Anyway I use this amp to drive a pair of 2way and 16 ohm speakers in a Heathkit console. It sounds excellent, probably better than my newly found HHScott 299 tube int amp. Go figure! I may need to give the Scott a cap overhaul and do the same for this amp. Then I may have a fair comparision.
I'll take some pics to show the inside. I like this amp that is why I have not dumped it like I did to many receivers. It has certain exotic looks that is very attractive to me.
I'll take some pics to show the inside. I like this amp that is why I have not dumped it like I did to many receivers. It has certain exotic looks that is very attractive to me.
redcoates7
still learning...
I'll have to take some pics, but I've gotten ahold of a Teledyne era AR integrated that was built in the UK (?) it looks like one of the vintage Cambridge Audio amplifiers, but is clearly screen AR (in that slanted 80s logo) and marked AR, A division of Teledyne on the back...all inputs (except phono are on DIN connectors, and the speaker outputs are a euro-style recessed socket (accept Banana plugs only)
Anyone ever heard of this thing??
Anyone ever heard of this thing??
dmagalhaes
Active Member
That amp is supposed to have an amazing phonostage.
Modegard
Well-Known Member
I used to own an AR integrated, wooden case and all. In my opinion the amp is great to own as a collectors piece, but on a purely sonic level, you may be able to do a lot better. I completely agree that the amp is very dark sounding. Rather lifeless too. Yes, mine met specifications. I had it gone through immediately after purchase. The amp sounds like a typical early generation solid state amp. I never picked up any tube sonic signatures. If you still want one, there is a seller on eBay by the name Vintage-ar that always seems to have one up for sale. Good luck.
Toasted Almond
RIP 1952-2016
There weren't many amps able to do justice to the AR-3a's back then, and AR addressed that problem with The Integrated. I wasn't suggesting anybody use one today. I was just stating why they made it.
Brian
An Old Geezer
Back when in production they were not well thought of sonically. Harsh on the highs, large amounts of coloration and prone to self destruct. As for looks, strictly simplistic and plain Jane; a killer look that all designers should have followed. The matching tuner was not hot, typical something designed for use in the Boston market. The receiver was a combo of both. Turn them around and you could see that designers and layout team probably also did the KLH 27. If you want physical presentation that attacted get the tuner, amp, matching AR table and a set of 3s. Set it up as well as a nice Mc system and back then a Scott or Fisher and amazingly the crowd will look at the AR over the others. Simple designs can be the most impressive.
AR had a high rate of repairs on these and finally got them reliable but the sound was where it missed. The tuner while not the last word on sound still will be competent. As for using the amp, we used to suggest the KLH Five as a better mate than the 3 or 5 as it seems to tame the high end harshness better but nothing could really compensate for the coloration.
Most of these look pretty ratty today. Yours look like it has been well treated and you should explore maybe mating it up with the tuner, the AR table and a nice set of period AR speakers for a nice period vintage system.
AR had a high rate of repairs on these and finally got them reliable but the sound was where it missed. The tuner while not the last word on sound still will be competent. As for using the amp, we used to suggest the KLH Five as a better mate than the 3 or 5 as it seems to tame the high end harshness better but nothing could really compensate for the coloration.
Most of these look pretty ratty today. Yours look like it has been well treated and you should explore maybe mating it up with the tuner, the AR table and a nice set of period AR speakers for a nice period vintage system.
