Acoustic Research AR-2 (1956–1957)
A single-driver, 10-inch acoustic suspension bookshelf speaker that brought high-fidelity bass to a broader market.
Overview
The Acoustic Research AR-2 is a 2-way acoustic suspension bookshelf loudspeaker produced from 1956 to 1957. It was designed as a cost-conscious version of the groundbreaking AR-1, making acoustic suspension technology more accessible. The AR-2 features a single 10-inch woofer with a cloth surround and no separate tweeter or midrange driver, handling the full frequency range from 40Hz to 15kHz. It was one of only four speakers to receive a “Best Buy” rating from *Consumer Reports* in 1956, which helped boost Acoustic Research’s sales from $383,000 in 1956 to nearly $1 million by the end of 1957.
Specifications
| Type | 2-way acoustic suspension (single full-range driver) |
| Woofer | 10-inch cone with cloth surround |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 15kHz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86dB at 1 watt/1 meter |
| Enclosure Volume | 1.7 cu ft (48 liters) |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 24 x 11.5 inches (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 36.5 lbs per speaker |
| Power Handling | Suitable for 10–25W amplifiers |
| Inputs/Outputs | Single pair of binding posts |
| Woofer Resonance (in enclosure) | 56 Hz |
| Woofer Resonance (free air) | 26 Hz |
Design
The AR-2 uses a sealed, air-sprung acoustic suspension cabinet where the elasticity of trapped air acts as a linear spring. The airtight enclosure is maintained by a butyl rubber gasket and a heavy baffle, and the cabinet contains fiberglass batts. It is a single-driver design with no crossover, relying on the 10-inch cone to reproduce all frequencies. The cloth-based suspension and sealed-box construction contribute to its deep bass for its size and natural sound reproduction.
Context
The AR-2 followed the AR-1, which introduced Edgar Villchur’s patented acoustic suspension technology in 1954. As a smaller and less expensive alternative, the AR-2 brought high-fidelity performance to a wider audience. It was succeeded by the AR-2a, which added a tweeter. Heathkit also sold a nearly identical kit version, the AS-2, using parts supplied by Acoustic Research. The AR-2’s success marked the end of an era for co-founder Henry Kloss, who left in 1957 to form KLH.
Market
A pair of AR-2 speakers in good, unrestored condition typically sells for $300–$600, with refinished or professionally recapped pairs reaching up to $800. Common issues include scratched veneer, frayed binding posts, degraded internal wiring, and woofer surround deterioration.
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