Acoustic Research AR 4XA (1972–1974)
A sealed-box, 2-way loudspeaker from Acoustic Research, produced in the early 1970s as an update to the AR-4x.
Overview
The Acoustic Research AR 4XA is a loudspeaker developed by Acoustic Research in the early 1970s as an improved version of the earlier AR-4x model. It shares the same internal cabinet design as its predecessor and uses an 8-inch acoustic suspension woofer paired with a 32 mm dome tweeter. The system is a 2-way, 2-driver design with a crossover frequency of 1,600 Hz. Known for its sealed box construction, the AR 4XA was designed to deliver accurate bass response and was part of AR’s line of high-fidelity speakers during a peak era for acoustic suspension technology.
Specifications
| Cabinet design | Sealed box |
| Type | 2-way, 2-driver loudspeaker |
| Woofer | 8-inch acoustic suspension |
| Tweeter | 32 mm dome tweeter |
| Crossover Frequency | 1,600 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86 dB (1W/1m) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 25 x 23 x 48 cm |
| Weight | 7.8 kg |
| Cabinet finish | Walnut |
Design
The AR 4XA features an 8-inch acoustic suspension woofer and a 32 mm dome tweeter in a sealed box cabinet. It is an improved version of the AR-4x and shares the same internal cabinet structure. The crossover is set at 1,600 Hz, directing frequencies above that to the tweeter and below to the woofer.
Context
Introduced between 1972 and 1974, the AR 4XA was positioned as an updated model in Acoustic Research’s speaker lineup, evolving from the successful AR-4x. It arrived during a period when acoustic suspension speakers were gaining popularity for their tight bass and reliable performance.
Market
Common maintenance issues include degraded potentiometers and the need for refoaming the woofer over time. The AR 4XA is frequently confused with the AR-4 and AR-4x models, though each has distinct design improvements.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog — archive.org
- Catalog (1968) — archive.org