Heathkit AS-103A (1973)

Name: Heathkit AS-103
Brand: Heathkit

They don’t just sound like AR-3As—they were built to the same blueprint, down to the last capacitor.

Overview

If you’ve ever flipped through a 1970s Heathkit catalog and seen the AS-103A, you might’ve done a double take—because unless you knew better, you’d swear it was an Acoustic Research AR-3A. That’s no accident. In 1973, Acoustic Research granted Heathkit a license to produce the AS-103A to the exact specifications of the legendary AR-3A, making it one of the few times a major speaker design was officially cloned for the DIY market. This wasn’t a knockoff or an homage—it was the real thing, just in kit form. Enthusiasts could now build, solder, and assemble their own version of the speaker that defined high-fidelity for a generation, all while saving a few bucks and gaining the deep satisfaction that only comes from putting it together with your own hands.

The AS-103A wasn’t just another box in Heathkit’s lineup; it was a statement. At a time when most speaker kits were modest two-ways aimed at beginners, the AS-103A stepped into the high-end arena with a full three-way acoustic suspension design. It brought the AR-3A’s celebrated sonic neutrality and deep bass extension within reach of the hobbyist, and it did so without compromise—on paper, at least. Owners report that once built, the speakers were often just referred to as the AR-3, not out of confusion, but out of respect for how closely they matched the original in both appearance and performance.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Heathkit
Model	AS-103A
Year Introduced	1973
Type	3-way acoustic suspension speaker system
Woofer	12"
Midrange	5"
Tweeter	3" cone
Crossover Frequencies	800 Hz and 3500 Hz
Frequency Response	30 to 20,000 Hz
Power Handling	35 watts
Impedance	8 ohms
Dimensions	25" H x 14-1/2" W x 11-1/2" D
Weight	50 lbs each

Key Features

Built to AR-3A Specs, with a Few Upgrades

The AS-103A wasn’t a reinterpretation—it was a licensed reproduction. Heathkit built the speakers to the exact specifications of the AR-3A under official permission from Acoustic Research, ensuring identical acoustic performance and component layout. But some owners note that Heathkit didn’t just copy; they quietly improved. The cabinets, constructed from 3/4" veneered particle board, are described as “fancier and of better quality than the AR speaker.” Even the rear-panel controls—those familiar level-adjustment pots for the midrange and tweeter—are reportedly of higher quality than those found on the original AR-3A.

Acoustic Suspension and Driver Layout

True to the AR legacy, the AS-103A uses an acoustic suspension (sealed box) design, which delivers tight, accurate bass without the port noise or resonance of vented enclosures. The 12" woofer handles the low end with authority, rolling off smoothly down to 30 Hz—remarkable for a home speaker of its era. Above it, the 5" midrange and 3" cone tweeter are time-aligned within the baffle to ensure coherent phase response across the crossover points at 800 Hz and 3,500 Hz. This careful driver integration is a big part of why the speaker sounds so natural, especially with vocals and acoustic instruments.

Adjustable Front Panel Controls

One of the most distinctive features—shared with the AR-3A—is the presence of front-panel level controls for the midrange and tweeter. These aren’t tone controls in the traditional sense. Their real purpose, as clarified by longtime users, is to “balance the energy going to the more sensitive drivers (mid and tweeters) in relationship to the energy going to the woofers.” In practice, this lets owners tailor the speaker’s voicing to their room and listening preferences. Some purists later removed the pots from the circuit, arguing they degrade signal quality, but their inclusion was a thoughtful touch for real-world setup flexibility.

Classic Aesthetic and Grille Design

The AS-103A wears its 1970s heritage proudly. The walnut-finished hardwood grille frame, paired with brown woven fabric, gives it that unmistakable “retro grill cloth” look that audiophiles either love or love to restore. The overall footprint is substantial—25 inches tall and nearly 50 pounds per cabinet—making them a visual and physical presence in any room. They don’t shout for attention, but they command it through sheer presence and period authenticity.

Historical Context

The AS-103A arrived in 1973, a pivotal year for high-fidelity audio. Component systems were replacing console stereos, and speaker design was shifting toward scientific precision. The AR-3A, designed by Edgar Villchur and Henry Kloss, had already set a benchmark for accuracy and bass response in a compact sealed cabinet. By licensing the design to Heathkit, Acoustic Research effectively democratized access to one of the best speakers of its time. For $189.95 in 1974, buyers could assemble a speaker that closely matched the $300+ AR-3A—no small savings. The pricing within Heathkit’s own lineup also suggests a mid-tier position: the AS-103A was cheaper than the AS-102 ($239.95) and AS-101 ($269.95), indicating it was a high-performance option but not the absolute top of the range.

Collectibility & Value

Finding a pair of AS-103As today is no easy task—it’s “pretty rare to find a pair of these,” as one seller put it. Their collectibility stems not just from their link to the AR-3A, but from their status as a licensed, high-end kit, a rarity in an era when most DIY speakers were budget-conscious designs. Condition is everything. Common issues include deteriorated woofer surrounds and damaged tweeter diaphragms—one listing noted a missing tweeter diaphragm, another that the woofers had been refoamed. Refoaming or reconing is often necessary, and replacement parts can be a hunt, but the payoff is worth it for purists.

Market prices reflect their scarcity and pedigree. One listing asked $349 O.B.O., while another on Reverb showed a price of $479.99. These aren’t museum pieces sitting on shelves—they’re still used and enjoyed. Owners consistently report that “they sound amazing,” especially when properly maintained. For the vintage audio restorer, the AS-103A offers a rare opportunity: a chance to own and rebuild a speaker that was, by design, indistinguishable from one of the most respected models in hi-fi history.