Audio Systems: Acoustic Research Speakers, sound speaker systems, acoustic research speakers

Question
I found a pair of Acoustic Research 4x speakers that in appearance do not look good. They test out very well. I would like to know how to open up the back in order to gain access for the parts. They appear to be glued in. Thanks


Answer
Yes, they are glued in.  Repair - or inspection - does require to torture the back OR remove the speakers from the front side.

They were assembled, at the factory, by going through the front opening of the woofer.

You can see a picture of the drivers at:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/davidyee660/918a_12.jpg

and

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/davidyee660/97c9_12.jpg

I believe you can remove the speakers with conventional tools.

If you just want to check them out you can do it by applying a full range music signal and just listen for good sound.  Speaker systems, treated properly, can last for years and years. The most common problem is deterioration of the crossover capacitor and weakening or rotting of the surround around the woofer.

Let me know if you have further thoughts to discuss.

C

PS: These were grand speakers in their day.  They are very inefficient and require a stiff amplifier to make the sound good, but for a small box they are quite impressive.