Unfortunately, the three models AR-4, 4x and 4xa are frequently used synonymously when searching for one of these speakers on auction websites. If you wonder what the difference between the AR-4, AR-4x and AR-4xa is, here is a short simple answer: It´s all about the tweeter!
The AR-4 is the oldest of the three and by now a sought after collectable made in 1964. The AR-4x is its successor and from late 1965 and 1966. The AR-4x has 2 1/2″ cone tweeters, whereas the AR-4 has 3 1/2″ tweeters. The AR-4x received outstanding reviews and is until today famous for its sound quality. Finally, in 1973, the then AR-4xa speaker had been introduced. The tweeters were switched to the 1 1/4″ tweeters used in the AR-6 and AR-7.
This review targets the AR-4x and AR-4xa, but the differences to the older AR-4 are minor. The 4x and 4xa are 2-way acoustic suspension speakers in beautiful walnut veneer with the typical white Acoustic Research cloth grills. The speaker was also available in unfinished birch and pine.Most likely you will find the older AR-4x, as the newer 4xa had not been sold in high numbers. At the time of its release, Acoustic Research sold both, the 4x and 4xa, with the new 4xa being priced slightly above the older model. However, as the innovations of the new 4xa were minor, its higher price caused many customers to choose the older 4x. Also, by 1973, AR had its AR-6 and AR-7 placed in a similar market segment. It is therefor sometimes claimed, that the introduction of the AR-4xa was unnecessary, making the speaker redundant.
How much should I pay for the AR-4x or 4-xa?
If you can find a pair of these speakers with the original speakers you should pay around 150$, which is a great price for the sound quality you will get. You should be aware that a pair of these vintage speakers is likely to have issues with the speaker foam, if they haven´t been replaced yet. Investing in a new foam kit is definetily worth the effort! A nicely restored pair of these speakers can sometimes be found on ebay for around $350.
Also, AR-6 speakers are nearly identical to the AR-4xa (
click here for a review of the AR-6) with two exceptions. The woofer resonance of the AR-4xa is 65Hz in enclosure, vs. the 56 Hz of the AR-6. The second difference is the cabinet form. The AR-6 is slightly higher and wider, but 2 inches less deep. Auction prices for the AR-6 and AR-4xa are similar.
Refoaming the AR-4xa
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| Acoustic Research AR-4xa |
The AR-4xa is definetily worth it being refoamed. Many of them have rotted foam surrounds which can easily be replaced. A refoaming kit can usually be bought for around $30, replacing the old foams will take around 1 to 2 hours and is not difficult at all! It does not require any particular skill, just a calm hand and a little patience. We tried out several available foams and recommend to use an 8 inch Surround Kit from Parts Express.
CAREFUL: The AR-4 and AR-4x have mostly cloth surrounds, not foam surrounds. Only the AR-4xa has foam surrounds. Choose the surround kit on the right, if you are planning to refoam the AR-4xa, but not for the others!
AR-4xa Specs:
Drive units: 8 inch acoustic suspension woofer, 1 ¼ inch high-frequency cone
Crossover: 1600 Hz
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
Controls: High-frequency level adjustment
Amplifier: Up to 100 watts per channel:
Size: 10 x 19 x 9 inches
Weight: 18.5 lbs
Woofer resonance: Free air 30 Hz, in enclosure 65 Hz
Volume of enclosure: 18.5 litres (0.65 cu ft)
Some noteworthy information is quoted below:
“The Ar-4xa is the improved version of the world´s most widely used high fidelity speaker system, the AR-4x. The AR-4xa uses the same acoustic suspension woofer as its predecessor, but incorporates a new tweeter and a modified crossover network. The 32 mm tweeter is the same as that used in the highly acclaimed AR-6 speaker system, giving the AR-4xa improved treble response and dispersion characteristics.” This quote is from my 1969 Acoustic Research magazine.
The Records and Recording Magazine writes “Excellent performance… a steady frequency response which many more expensive systems would find it difficult to equal… this unit, measured objectively, confirmed fully what I expected to find after listening to it with a wide range of programme material. The AR-4x is a loudspeaker of very high quality, made and designed to high technical standards. It is not very often that one finds such a completely successful enterprise as this.”
AR-4xa Price: $130-200(Depending on overall condition)
AR-4x Price: $140-200(Depending on overall condition)
Read our other Acoustic Research Reviews:
I found a set of ar4x for 5$ at a thrift store. 6 light coats of rosewood stain,new covers,and tweeter control overhaul and sound terrific with a Yamaha receiver,12" sub and a decent e.q..
Just found a pair of AR4X for $10 at a garage sale. Couldn't be happier!
I just found a pair of AR-4's for 10 bucks. Yippie!!!!!
Audio buddy gave a pair of 4Xa from his garage set up. I plan a capacitor upgrade…they sound good with an old LaFayette integrated with tuner.
I just found a pair of AR-4x at a thrift store my cost was 3.00 for the pair. I could not get the three bucks out of my wallet fast enough. Sometimes you just get lucky!!
I am the third owner of a pair of AR-4X speakers; but they have been in my possession for over 40 years now. The cabinets are complete refinished and I had the crossovers replaced several year ago. These speakers sound FANTASTIC, still. And now they look great again, too. I wouldn't sell these AR-4X speakers for less than $600.00 I wish I could post a pic on this site.
I am the third owner of a pair of AR-4X speakers; but they have been in my possession for over 40 years now. The cabinets are complete refinished and I had the crossovers replaced several year ago. These speakers sound FANTASTIC, still. And now they look great again, too. I wouldn't sell these AR-4X speakers for less than $600.00 I wish I could post a pic on this site.
I think my 4xa have cloth surrounds.
I also just acquired some AR-4XA's. They are mint with original boxes and paperwork.
They are from 1974, and to my surprise have cloth surrounds. Mesh screen, not dust cover, over voice coil.
17000 serial #'s.
how would i repair a pair of AR-4x speakers that have blown. One works and the other does not. Both could use a good fixing in general though? thanks for whatever help.
I found 4 AR-4X's at my favorite store – Roadside Boutique. In other words, they were for the taking on the side of the road. Haven't restored them yet.
Bought a pair of mint 4xa's for 15$. Mindbendingly good with a 65watt rms class-a onkyo amp.
he he, just found a pair of 4xa's in my attic (from my wife's grandmother). Now I need to sell them 🙂
Thanks for the information on this site. Helps me put a value on them
I found 2 AR4x's on the roadside also. I've learned a lot about them the past month or more and truly love how they sounded from the first night I hooked them up. I've owned a hundred sets of speakers over the years and once in a while, I'd hear a "special sound-field" come out of some. This pair produced a huge one and the sound was balanced too. I've started to restore these since one rheostat stopped working on e day. I'm about to put the rheostats back together after putting some fader lube on them. I'm trying to find a suitable "black" substance to put back on my woofer surrounds. I see the "clear stuff" that the eBay seller offers. He says the clear will turn black but does he offer up photos?, nope. I want a black coating like the original. Anybody use any kind of rubber spray or latex paint to coat the fabric again?
You could use a can of belt dressing as it uses Toluene as a resin much like the soft rubber coating.
Just spray some into a small cup or what ever you can find and use a small brush to apply it.
It’s just a bit thin so you will have to apply a few coats, mind you this is just a temporary fix and can be removed later until you find the right stuff for it.
My pristine AR-4xa bought new also have cloth surrounds. I have just changed the caps today to 10uF polypropylene.
I bought my AR4x’s new, I believe in 1967 in southern California at a “White Front” store(now long
out of business). A few nicks and dings after about 12 moves over some 55 years but they still sound
great ! I’ve hooked up other speaker purchases over the years but still like the sound I get out of the 4x’s.
Guess I’ll keep them for another 55 years !
I love my AR4X speakers sound bigger then they are , good base highs can be adjusted to preference, beautiful looking speakers, mine have been completely restored new pots re coned , new cloth, badges, cabinet’s are in perfect condition no deep scratches no chips cleaned and oiled respectfully, cards on back un damaged and clean, I couldn’t ask for a nicer example of these wonderful speakers
I bought my ar4ax in 1970. They had the cloth surrounds. I replaced the woofer in 1987 with a radio shack unit. I just replaced the woofer again. This time I matched the woofer to the box dimensions. Theil small parameters. Found a foam surround woofer on Parts express for $14 that matches. I replaced the tweeter volume control and put a 4″ midrange. I used the original Ar low frequency coil and and replaced the tweeter with the 4″ midrage. I and most people can’t hear past 12k cycles and it complimented the woofer. Used dacron stuffing but not over stuffed. Good bass. I keep them an inch from the wall as it acts to support the bass. It’s important to match the speaker cabinet size to the woofer using Theil small parameters. Took me years and lot of disappointment to figure that out. or you’ll loose bass. I used a high end cap at 19uf for the midrange crossed somewhere at 1000 hz.