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 built from 1956 to 1957. It was a cost-conscious version of the groundbreaking AR-1, and it made acoustic suspension technology more accessible. It has a single 10-inch woofer with a cloth surround. There is no separate tweeter or midrange driver, so that one cone handles the full range, 40Hz to 15kHz. It was one of only four speakers to get a “Best Buy” rating from *Consumer Reports* in 1956. Acoustic Research’s sales went 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. The elasticity of the trapped air acts as a linear spring. A butyl rubber gasket and a heavy baffle keep the enclosure airtight, and the cabinet holds fiberglass batts. It is a single-driver design with no crossover, so the 10-inch cone reproduces all frequencies. The cloth-based suspension and sealed-box construction give it 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. The AR-2 was smaller and less expensive, and it brought high-fidelity performance to a wider audience. The AR-2a succeeded it and added a tweeter. Heathkit also sold a nearly identical kit version, the AS-2, using parts supplied by Acoustic Research. Co-founder Henry Kloss left in 1957 to form KLH.
Market
A pair of AR-2 speakers in good, unrestored condition typically sells for $300 - $600. Refinished or professionally recapped pairs reach up to $800. Common problems are scratched veneer, frayed binding posts, degraded internal wiring, and woofer surround deterioration.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ACOUSTIC RESEARCH AR-2 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $299 Latest $65 │ │ Median $103 Trend — │ │ Low $35 Volume ~5/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $300 ┤ │ │ │ . . . . │ │ │ . │ │ $171 ┤ . │ │ │ . . . │ │ │ . . │ │ │. . . . . .│ │ $0 ┤ . . │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▂ ▂ ▂ ▂█ ▂ ▂▂ ▂ ▅▂ ▅ ▂ ▂ ▂│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-06 2026-07 2026-09│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $39–$276 (median $103, based on 19 completed sales, past 12 months)
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