Acoustic Research M1 (circa 1992)

The Acoustic Research M1 is a two-way acoustic-suspension bookshelf speaker from the early 1990s. The main source is an Equipment Profile in Audio (January 1992, p.70). It has a 6-inch cone woofer and a 3/4-inch soft-dome tweeter in a sealed enclosure, with the crossover set at 3.6 kHz. Sensitivity is rated at 88 dB at 1 meter with 2.83 V applied. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms (5 ohms minimum), and recommended amplifier power is 10 to 100 watts per channel. The cabinet measures 105/8 inches high by 73/4 inches wide by 111/4 inches deep, and is finished in charcoal-gray vinyl wrap.

Audio (January 1992, p.84) called the M1 analytic and detailed yet open, with accurate imaging and a believable, lifelike presentation. The same review said the owner's manual gave little specific guidance on speaker placement. After extended listening, the reviewer found the M1 distinctive, unique, and notable. Little else is documented about the model. No production years or original price have been confirmed, and neither has any broader context.