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Tested and Working. This was pulled from a working environment. Please look at all pictures before purchasing, only what is included in pictures is included in sale.Will ship same day purchased in a professionally packaged box. (I)S41A
Vintage Audio Research ROR bookshelf monitors are a rare '80s gem, with their compact wood cabinets delivering punchy, detailed sound that punches above their size—prized by collectors for that classic AR transparency.
At USD161, this is a screaming bargain against our database of 7 recent comps (median sold USD2,571; 25th percentile USD1,571, 75th USD4,021), assuming good condition; even fair pairs rarely dip below USD1,500. Snag it fast if legit. Check for foam rot in the cabinets and surrounds (common on '80s drivers), verify original crossovers work without hum, and confirm both speakers match with intact grilles and binding posts—no foam decay or recone history undisclosed. Test for balanced imaging before wiring up.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio Research Corporation, founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by William Z. Johnson, traces its roots to his pioneering work in custom audio electronics during the 1950s and his operation of a specialty retail store through the mid-1960s. After a brief stint selling his designs to a larger firm, Johnson regained independence to establish ARC with a singular mission: advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. From modest beginnings in the back of his shop, the company evolved into one of America's oldest continuously operating high-end audio manufacturers, now housed in a state-of-the-art 48,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
ARC specializes in performance-driven electronics, renowned for vacuum-tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and electronic crossovers that emphasize sonic purity over flashy features or aesthetics. Drawing on circuit designs rooted in the 1950s, the brand integrates tubes into modern contexts, delivering what it calls "high definition" sound through genuine technological advances. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, ARC's focused lineup prioritizes amplifiers and preamps that set benchmarks for musical realism.
Positioned at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Audio Research is hailed as a true originator of the genre, commanding respect among audiophiles for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Enduring the 1970s tube revival against solid-state dominance, ARC thrives via elite specialist retailers worldwide, standing alongside peers like Conrad-Johnson as a vintage-inspired yet forward-thinking force in the niche boutique market.
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