Heathkit

Build it yourself, understand it forever

History

Heath Company was founded in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1947 by Edward Bayard Heath. The company started by selling surplus aircraft parts before transitioning to electronic kits with the Heathkit brand. Heathkit became the largest kit manufacturer in history, offering everything from radios and televisions to test equipment and hi-fi components. The company's success was built on excellent documentation, quality parts, and the satisfaction of building your own equipment. The AA-100 and subsequent AA-151 tube amplifiers (1950s-1960s) were popular hi-fi kits. The AR-15 (1950s-1960s) was a three-way speaker kit that brought quality sound to thousands of homes. The Daytona and Spica solid-state amplifiers (1960s-1970s) continued Heathkit's hi-fi presence into the transistor era. The GR-54 FM tuner was another popular kit. Heathkit's decline began in the 1980s with the rise of cheaper imported electronics. The company ceased kit production in the 1990s, though the brand has been revived for limited educational products.

Key Facts

Fact	Detail
Founded	1947, Benton Harbor, Michigan
Founder	Edward Bayard Heath
Business Model	DIY electronic kits
Most Famous	AR-15 speakers, AA amplifiers
Documentation	Industry-leading manuals
Status	Original kits vintage collectible

Legendary Products

Heathkit AR-15 (1950s-1960s)

A three-way speaker kit that offered excellent performance for its price. The AR-15 used a 12" woofer, midrange, and tweeter in a large enclosure, delivering full-range sound.

Heathkit AA-151 (1960s)

A 15-watt stereo integrated amplifier kit using EL84 tubes. The AA-151 was popular for its combination of performance, features, and build satisfaction.

Heathkit AA-100 (1950s-1960s)

An earlier tube integrated amplifier kit that established Heathkit's reputation in hi-fi. The AA-100 offered 12 watts per channel.

Heathkit GR-54 (1960s)

An FM tuner kit with excellent sensitivity and selectivity. The GR-54 was often paired with Heathkit amplifiers for a complete system.

Classic Models Reference

Model	Era	Type	Power	Key Features
AA-100	1950s-60s	Integrated	12WPC	Early tube amp
AA-121	1960s	Integrated	12WPC	Updated AA-100
AA-151	1960s	Integrated	15WPC	Popular classic
AA-164	1960s	Integrated	25WPC	Higher power
AR-15	1950s-60s	Speaker	-	Three-way kit
AR-4	1960s	Speaker	-	Smaller speaker
GR-54	1960s	Tuner	-	FM tuner kit
GR-64	1960s	Tuner	-	Updated tuner
TA-17	1960s	Tape	-	Tape deck kit
Daytona	1960s	Integrated	30WPC	Solid-state
Spica	1970s	Integrated	40WPC	Later solid-state

Sound Signature

Heathkit equipment is characterized by: - DIY satisfaction - Self-built pride - Good value - Performance per dollar - Tube warmth (early models) - Classic character - Solid construction - Quality parts - Educational value - Learned electronics

Collecting Heathkit

Vintage Heathkit gear is valued for: - Completed original kits - Built and working - Factory-assembled units - Rare - Original boxes/manuals - Complete documentation - AR-15 speakers - Classic three-way - AA-151 amplifier - Popular tube kit Most collectible models: - AR-15 - The speaker classic - AA-151 - The amp classic - Factory-assembled - Rare - Complete with manuals - Documentation

Restoration Tips

Common Heathkit service items: - Replace capacitors (all vintage units need this) - Check tubes (tube models) - Verify bias settings - Clean controls and switches - Service speaker surrounds (AR-15) - Well-documented designs

Competitors & Comparisons

Heathkit vs Eico: Similar market; Heathkit larger Heathkit vs Dynaco: Different approaches; both popular Heathkit vs factory-built: DIY vs purchased

All Models in Archive (40)

AR-19	1964
AA-100	1957
AA-111	1976
AA-121	1972
AA-13	1957
AA-14	1957
AA-141	1977
AA-15	1957
AA-151	1975
AA-161	1957
AA-164	1958
AA-2010	1975
AA-29	1970
AA-32	1972
AA-40	1970
AA-50	1958
AD-17	1976
AD-19	1975
AD-22	1974
AD-27	1959
AJ-12	1957
AJ-13	1959
AJ-14	1959
AJ-15	1958
AJ-1510	1975
AJ-31	1965
AJ-41	1975
AR-1500	1975
AR-1501	1975
AR-1502	1975
AR-1503	1975
AR-1515	1975
AR-29	1975
AS-10	1972
AS-101	1970
AS-103	1975
AS-104	1972
AS-105	1975
AS-1348	1979
AS-136	1975

Models

Amplifiers, Speakers

Heathkit - DIY Electronics Heritage

Amplifiers

AA-111 - 1976
AA-13 - 1957
AA-14 - 1957
AA-141 - 1977
AA-15 - 1957
AA-151 - 1975
AA-161 - 1957
AA-164 - 1958
AA-29 - 1970
AA-50 - 1958
AD-19 - 1975
AD-27 - 1959
AJ-1510 - 1975
AR-19 - 1964

Equalizers

AA-2010 - 1975

Receivers

AR-1500 - 1975

Speakers

AA-100 - 1957
AA-121 - 1972
AA-32 - 1972
AA-40 - 1970
AD-17 - 1976
AD-22 - 1974
AJ-12 - 1957
AJ-13 - 1959
AJ-14 - 1959
AJ-15 - 1958
AJ-31 - 1965
AJ-41 - 1975
AR-1502 - 1975
AR-1503 - 1975
AR-1515 - 1975
AR-29 - 1975
AS-10 - 1972
AS-101 - 1970
AS-103 - 1975
AS-104 - 1972
AS-105 - 1975
AS-1348 - 1979
AS-136 - 1975

Tuners

AR-1501 - 1975