Layne Audio: Speaker Parts and Repair .

Current Specials ..New Stuff..Speaker Repair..AR..Advent..Misc Parts..Order Info

 

   OEM replacement parts:

These are parts for the most common "original AR"  models, newer "HO" series drivers are further down the page. Call for SRT, TSW, Spirit, HI series parts, and any other models not listed. Go here for more photos and misc. information on various AR models. NHT parts are at the bottom of the page.

AR logo plates are back in stock!! Scroll down for details.

A quick note on older AR models: Exact replacement parts for many older AR models are starting to run out. This has been mainly tweeters up till now, but some woofers and midranges are starting to run out as well. AR is still supplying usable replacements for most parts, but they may be quite different than the original parts. In some cases this is an upgrade to more modern parts of higher quality, in others it is simply a matter of what will fit without the need for cabinet/crossover modifications. You will now see "n/o" by any "not original" parts which are significantly different than the part they replace. There are often more closely matched parts available which need only slight cabinet modification to work. please call for all options on "n/o" parts. "N/A" means not available, alternate replacement usually listed. Price/availability on all items subject to change without notice.

12" woofer, [SEE PHOTO HERE] fits 3, 3a, 10, 11, LST, 9, 9LS, 91, 58S, 58B, 78LS, 98LS, $129 each.
12" woofer, for 303/303a, round frame, rubber surround, $185 each. 
10" woofer, fits 38s, 48s, 48b, 48bx, 90, 2ax, 5, 8, 12, 14, LST-II,92, 9LS, 30B, 28BX, $79 each.
8" woofer, Standard or "universal" model, paper cone/ foam surround, fits [almost] all models, $55.50 each
8" woofer for 20c and 35t, $59 each [new poly cone/ rubber surround version, perfect upgrade for many AR cabinets]
8" woofer for 18BX and 18 BXI [n/a , use standard model or the 30t poly/rubber model]
8" Heavy Duty Woofer: from the HI M-5, usable in any 8" woofer application, BIG magnet and vented voice coil, $68 each
8" midrange, [poly cone/foam surround] fits 93s, 9LS, 9, 90, 98LS, $55.50 each
6" woofer, fits 19c, 40c, 19t, 35, $42 each.
6" midrange, fits 50c, 50t, MGC-1`, $48 each.
4" woofer, for 1ms or 2cs, $45 each.
4" midrange, fits 38b, 48b, 58b, 48s, 38bx, 48bx, 58bx, $45 each. This is the newer "pincushion" style frame, Adapter Plates needed to make this mid fit in place of earlier round frame versions are $8 each
2.5" cone mid/tweeter [4" faceplate] for the 2ax, 4, and 2a [part of upgrade kit, see below], $25 ea, Adapter plate, use with above mid/tweets to upgrade your 2a to the 2ax model, $15 each.
2" midrange for 12 : n/a,  call for options
1.5" dome midrange, fits 3, 3a, 5, 58s, 9, 90, 10, 11, LST, LST-II, $89 each [remaining NOS mids do not have the mesh grill]
1.5" dome midrange for 303/303a, $119 each.
1.25" tweeter "N/O", fits 93, 94, 18s, 18b, 8b, 28b, 38s,many others, $38 each, better alternative is $25 but requires some cutting
1" tweeter, fits 18bxi, 25bxi, 19, 20, 30, 30b, 28bx, 28bxi, 40, MCG, $30 each.
1" tweeter, fits 8bx, 8bxi, 18bx, $21 each.
1" tweeter, [oval faceplate] fits 14, 15, 16, 28s, 48s, $38 each.
1" tweeter, fits 50c, 19t, 35t, 40t, 50t, $75 each.
.75" tweeter, fits 3, 3a, 5, 58s, 2ax, 9, 90, 91, 12, $60 each.
.75" tweeter, fits 38b, 48b, 58b, 1ms, 1cs, $45 each.
.75" tweeter, for 302/ 303/ 303a/ 338: $39 each.

"Dual Dome" driver for 9LS, 9LSI, 98LS: One pair only, NOS, $169 each [a VERY rare find, selling as a pair only] Reconing is available for blown tweeters, but you must send in your existing plate for repair. Cost is about $159 to rebuild the tweeter [if successful], no repair available for mid. We do have an all new replacement unit in the works based on a 2" neodymium mid and 1.1" neo tweeter, cost will be about $139 for the components, make your own adapter plate or we will supply one ready made [cost ???]. This will require some crossover changes to get the best possible sound, but the sound quality potential for these drivers is MUCH better than the stock mid/tweet unit. Power handling is also at least 50% better. 

OTHER PARTS and UPGRADE KITS :

Alternate 8" woofers: Due to popular demand, we have started carrying alternate 8" woofers for various AR applications which provide higher quality at a lower price. First model is a poly cone/ rubber surround woofer [$48 ea] with an oversized magnet & vented coil. It is capable of producing a cleaner low end than the standard paper cone AR woofers, and its vocals are very smooth. We also have this same woofer in a foam surround version [$45 ea], this model is more appropriate for the smaller cabinet 2-way bookshelf speakers [4 series, 7, etc]. In response to requests for a high quality paper cone driver, we have come up with a great choice. It has a paper composite cone and rubber surround built on a heavy cast aluminum frame, but is still just $48 ea. A hefty 30oz magnet is used to give this woofer a boost in efficiency [90dB, factory AR 8's average 86dB]. Paper vs. Poly. The poly cone models give better low end and a smooth mid, the paper cone a "warmer" midrange tone with higher efficiency.

AR-3/ 3a crossover upgrade kits: Each kit contains parts to refit one pair of speakers,  including new high voltage polypropylene caps for better sound quality and reliability, new level controls that provide a more linear impedance and will not corrode, and a detailed schematic.  AR-3 kit $56, AR-3a kit $72. Options: replace woofer caps on 3a add $6,  Low resistance/ low distortion coils for woofer circuit, add $20.

AR-3/ 3a/ 2ax/ etc. wiring kit: This kit rewires a pair of standard size 3-way cabinets. You get 20 feet of 18ga Vampire Wire for the mids/ tweeters [10ft ea red and black, pure silver plated OFHC copper in virgin PTFE Teflon jacketing] , and 6.5 feet [2 meters] of Van Den Hul 12ga wire for the woofers [very pure OFC strands with a dense pure silver coating in Hulliflex 4 jacketing, 1m ea red and blue]. $27.80 / kit. For other cabinets simply figure out the wiring footages you need. Vampire 18ga is $0.85 per foot, Van Den Hul 12ga $5 per meter [~$1.50 per foot]

Ultimate 3/ 3a Upgrade Kit MKII: Take your existing 3's or 3a's to a whole new level. The 60's vintage factory midrange and tweeter are replaced with top notch, studio quality Dynaudio components, and a completely new crossover is employed. Cost is $665/kit, includes two Dynaudio Esotec 1.1" soft dome tweeters, two Dynaudio 3" neodymium soft dome mids, all new crossover parts with poly caps, heavy gauge woofer inductors, new level controls, and the Vampire/ Van Den Hul wiring kit. The sonic quality is now limited by the driving amp and source unit rather than the speakers. This kit is also appropriate for use in the AR 11/ 58/ 91 and 92. Price/ availability of this kit is subject to change with the supply of Dynaudio parts. 

Standard 3/ 3a Upgrade Kit: This kit provides a big improvement in sound quality over the factory AR drivers but at a price that is actually lower than the stock parts. Kit #1 [$300] uses a high quality 2" dome mid and matching 1" soft dome tweeter [both German made], as well as all new crossover parts. Add the upgrade wiring kit for $25.

AR 2a to 2ax conversion kit: Not long after the 2a was released [and became very popular], a defect in the dual mid-tweeters became apparent. Even though they were crossed over very high [around 2 kHz], the mid-tweeters had very poor power handling. AR then redesigned the 2a into the 2ax, replacing the unreliable dual mid-tweeters with a single more reliable driver. Not to leave existing customers in the lurch, they released an upgrade kit allowing 2a owners to convert their existing cabinets to the new 2ax design. The kit consists of a new fluid cooled mid-tweeter and an adapter plate that replaces the plastic midrange sub-enclosure, $37 per speaker, bolts in with no cutting, add the crossover kit below for best results.

4" 2 / 2a / 2ax Midrange: This high quality aftermarket midrange [real midrange, not a oversized tweeter] fits into the plastic dual driver sub panel used in the AR 2 and 2a without having to butcher the cup. Also fits in place of the 2ax midrange, just add a chamber to the back [$4]. Can be used as is, but you should re-do the crossover to lower the woofer/mid XO point to get the full benefit [~1000Hz for the 2 / 2a, ~700Hz for 2ax w/chamber we supply]. This will clean up the response of both the 2a and 2ax dramatically, making them a true 3-way system. For the older 2 which had no real tweeter, use this mid in the lower half of the cup and a dome tweeter in the top, update the crossover and you've got a 2ax without having to cut up the cabinet. $29 each or $100 set of 4. Poly cone, foam surround, shielded compact magnet, 500Hz-7kHz usable range [low end response depends on crossover and rear chamber volume]. Very limited supply.

AR 2ax crossover upgrade kit: Use this kit to upgrade your existing 2ax crossover, or when using the 2a-2ax conversion kit, includes new poly caps for both midrange and tweeter, new level controls, and magnetic wire for modifying the stock woofer coil [2a conversion only]. $48/kit [covers a pair of speakers]

Level controls: You can sometimes clean the old level controls enough to [temporarily] return them to service, but the un-plated brass contacts will just corrode all over again. Fix the problem for good...replace them.  OEM type reproductions, for mid or tweeter, $14 each [special order]
Aftermarket, better quality and less expensive, fits stock hole with zero modification, $7 each. Don't bother with the OEM style unless you are trying to make a museum quality restoration, the new style controls work better and are more reliable.

Grills: New grills are available for the following AR models only: Bare grill frames for the AR 5, 2ax, and 3a $24 each , bare frames only, original type cloth is not available. Note: Frames are cut a bit long as exact cabinet face dimensions changed slightly over the years. If you order these, be prepared to do some trimming to get an exact fit. 

Cloth Surround / Paper Cone Sealer: Re-seal those leaky cloth surrounds on your early AR woofers. This is a butyl latex compound made specifically for coating speaker cones and surrounds. It dries soft and tacky, and unlike the cheap PVA coating [basically Elmer's glue] everyone else sells, this stuff will stay soft practically forever, retaining its full sealing and damping properties. Goes on milky white but dries clear with a bit of shine. Can be tinted black [or any other color] with water based inks/ dyes. Use full strength on cones, thin with warm water to coat cloth surrounds. 1oz bottle $8, 2oz $12 [1oz is enough to coat a pair of average 12" woofers, use more if you need a heavier damping effect]. Safe to use on foam surrounds, but it is not going to keep old surrounds from rotting [nothing will do that]. Water based and non-toxic, no nasty fumes, just be careful if you have a latex allergy. 

3a original cloth covered grills [NOS]: $45/each or $85/pair while they last! Recently uncovered in an old AR parts warehouse in Italy, these original cloth covered AR 3a grills have been sitting in their boxes for ??? years but are still in perfect condition. Covered in the original cream/tan colored fabric which has been unavailable for ages. Take an $10 off when you buy a pair of grills and new brass logo plates at the same time.

Foam grills for the 10, 11, 12, and 14, $39 each, thick open cell black foam with beveled edges and driver recesses on back. 

The 3a logo plates are back in stock, as are the universal 1 1/8" square "AR" plates. These are newly manufactured reproductions which are VERY close to the originals [99%]. The lettering is engraved into real leaded brass plates, then paint filled by hand. The brass has an anti-tarnish coating so it should stay shiny for years. Since the logos are engraved and painted, future polishing won't erase the logo as with the early printed types. Price is $15 per plate for either style. We also have a few 1" square "AR" logo plates available, plain AR logo in black raised letters with matte silver colored background [$5 ea]. The plate is aluminum with self adhesive back, AR logo is relief stamped. These are the plates used on AR turntable bases and covers. 

AR "HO" series parts: All have poly treated paper cones, rubber surrounds, and are shielded unless otherwise noted. These are the new drivers used in AR's current model line. Original "HO" series crossovers, foam trim rings and grills are also available.

12" woofer, $90 each
12" woofer [non-shielded, used in the S-12HO sub], $85 each.
10" woofer, $80 each
10" woofer [non-shielded, used in the S-10HO sub], $75 each.
8" woofer, $60 each
8" woofer [non-shielded, used in the S-8HO sub], $56 each.
5.25" midrange, $45 each
5.25" woofer, $48 each [used in the "Edge" speaker]

***Used AR Parts***

nothing right now...

Looking for an original set of AR's? We sell AR replacement parts and drivers, but not whole speakers or cabinets. For these, visit Mark Spencer's "Unofficial AR Repair/Restoration Page".  There is a moderated classic speakers discussion board, check there for "for sale" postings by board users. Many people also pick up classic AR's off eBay, this is a option and deals can be had, just realize that the seller's description is probably not 100% accurate [unreported blown/ rotted drivers, etc, are common], and shipping on complete speakers can be very expensive. Best bet??? Check out Yard Sales and Thrift Stores, this is where the best deals are. 

What's it worth???:  Please don't email or call asking us to appraise a set of old speakers, a speaker's value is simply "market rate", what the buyer is willing to pay. A set of well restored AR 9's will easily fetch $800+, but I know of people finding pairs for as little as $200. Same with the 3 or 3a, restored sets may bring $300 or more, but people also pick them up at thrift stores and garage sales for under $50. If you are the "buyer", pay what you feel comfortable with, but make sure to allow for shipping cost [if applicable], and especially any repairs or replacement drivers that may be needed. ANY speaker over 15 years old is going to need new foam on the woofers/ mids or possibly new replacements. ALL  AR's with rotary level controls will need to have them replaced. If you are the seller, ask yourself what they're worth to you, and whether someone else may be willing to pay that much. Ebay is by no means an official price guide, but you can at least do a "completed auctions" search to see what similar speakers have been selling for. 

NHT Parts: We don't have a comprehensive price sheet for the various NHT models, but most parts are available. Please call for a quote on parts not listed. Important note: NHT was recently sold and is now under new ownership, we should be able to continue supplying NHT replacement parts, but pricing and availability of certain parts very well may change.

The Famous "1259" Woofer: used in the 3.3 "flagship" speaker, probably the most popular DIY sub there has ever been. $150 each. [limited availability]

Super Zero: 4" woofers $39 each, tweeters $37 each.

Super One: 6.5" woofer $52 each, tweeters $37 each

NHT 1.8: tweeters $25 each

NHT Audio Center 1: woofers $69 each, tweeters $59 each

NHT 3.3 :  6.5" Midrange: $59.50 each

NHT SW2P : 10" subwoofer: $89 each [newer Danish made woofer, replaces early Japanese made version]

NHT 1.5, 2.5i, 2.9 : tweeter $65 each [aluminum dome]

Call for any parts/models not listed. Price and availability are subject to change without notice.