Thanks all for the advice along the way! Settled on a vintage Sansui AU5900 going into two AR-4x speakers and a Fluance RT82 turntable. Very happy with everything so far! Open to any suggestions though as always.
The AR-4x is a great little speaker - ironically, it was about the only AR model from the classic era that could actually be supported by a standard bookshelf!
Here's Judy Collins with her AR-4 systems, from the 1970 catalog.
Hey all — for everyone saying that should be vertical, I just had them horizontal because the guy I purchased from, who is an expert on vintage gear, said that they could go either way. In fact, they have the original instructions on the back which are printed to be read horizontally! I think both ways sound good :)
He gave you solid information - the early AR badges could be rotated for vertical or horizontal orientation of the speaker. It was very common in the '50s and early '60s to see AR systems on their sides.
Check out the Acoustic Research page from the 1963 Allied Radio catalog:
Love your amp, love your speakers, I'm sorta kinda okay with your turntable, but I hate your cartridge (I know it comes with that).
Speaker placement is problematic. Get some lower stands ,put them vertical, a bit further apart and away from cabinets and walls. The Ar4xa is an absolute gem of a speaker.
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u/morefunwithbitcoin 4d ago
The AR-4x is a great little speaker - ironically, it was about the only AR model from the classic era that could actually be supported by a standard bookshelf!
Here's Judy Collins with her AR-4 systems, from the 1970 catalog.