Acoustic Research
Acoustic Research
Also known as: AR, AR Speakers, Acoustic Research Inc
UnclaimedAcoustic Research (commonly abbreviated AR) is an American audio company founded in 1954 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Edgar Villchur and his student Henry Kloss. The company introduced the AR-1, the first loudspeaker built around Villchur's acoustic suspension principle, which enabled relatively flat response and extended bass in a compact cabinet at a consumer price point. Follow-up models i...
Acoustic Research (commonly abbreviated AR) is an American audio company founded in 1954 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Edgar Villchur and his student Henry Kloss. The company introduced the AR-1, the first loudspeaker built around Villchur's acoustic suspension principle, which enabled relatively flat response and extended bass in a compact cabinet at a consumer price point. Follow-up models including the AR-2, AR-3, AR-3a and later the AR-9 and AR-303 built on that foundation, pairing acoustic suspension woofers with Villchur's direct-radiator dome tweeter — a design that became a template for modern hi-fi speakers.
The original company was acquired by Teledyne in 1967 and operated as Teledyne Acoustic Research out of Cambridge for over two decades. Ownership passed to Jensen in 1989, to Recoton in 1996, and then to Audiovox (now VOXX International) in 2003, which holds the brand. Under VOXX, the AR line has shifted away from vintage high-end hi-fi toward consumer audio products such as portable and outdoor wireless Bluetooth speakers, waterproof speakers, and combined speaker/earbud sets sold under names like Sedona and Heartland.
AR is generally remembered in audio circles for its contribution to loudspeaker design rather than for use by specific touring or recording artists. An original AR-1 is held in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as an example of a foundational consumer-audio product.
Acoustic Research has 2 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Active & Passive Monitors and Speakers & Accessories.
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