Acoustic Research AR-12 and Jim Morrison's Resurrection

Location : Metro-Manila, Philippines

NOTE: I am writing this in March 2025. I don't really know when this happened but Oct 1977 is my educated guess.

AR-12 Specs

1. Type: 3 way, 3 driver loudspeaker system
2. Frequency Response: 36Hz to 30kHz
3. Power Handling: 100W
4. Recommended Amplifier: 25 to 100W
5. Crossover Frequency: 700, 4000Hz
6. Impedance: 8Ω
7. Sensitivity: 86dB
8. Bass: 1 x 250mm acoustic suspension
9. Midrange: 1 x 56mm cone
10. Tweeter: 1 x 19mm hemispherical dome
11. Dimensions: 354 x 635 x 273mm
12. Weight: 17kg

Tony
My Loving Dad
My Dad got me a pair of AR12 loudspeakers (Acoustic Research) together with a complete set of stereo components - amplifier, tuner, tape deck, turn table and Monster cables. It was pretty high end. I was an audiofile during that time. That system became my playground. I did something crazy that destroyed the speakers but resurrected a rock and roll idol - Jim Morrison.

Acoustic Research AR-12
Acoustic Research was a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company that manufactured high-end audio equipment. AR-12 saw a limited production - 1976 to 1977. Audiofiles claim that its midrange had a certain enigma-tone quality to it. This model is one of the best ever produced by AR. As I am writing this now in March 2025, this unit is considered a collector's item. I'm even surprised how this AR-12 landed in the Philippines.

Playing it Loud
As a hormonal teenager out to impress anyone, I would play it loud especially if there's a beautiful lady passing by the street. I would particularly play "Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin. This would aggitate my neighbors who pleaded more than once to keep the volume down. But one day, as I was playing The Doors, I cranked the volume to the max. Suddenly, the quality of the music changed. It would seem like Jim Morrison jumped out of the speaker and sang live. It was surreal. The sound had a 360-degree spatial dimension to it...and it sounded live...like Morrison was alive! But after a minute, the speaker bottomed out and the delicate membranes holding the drivers popped out like wafers. My AR-12 was toast...gone...nada!

Jim Morrison came alive with my Acoustic Research AR-12

Ending Thoughts
It was an expensive experience - my prized AR-12 was gone. But that sound experience was priceless. I haven't heard anything like it since. Regrets? None. Not even during that time. It felt like a brilliant meteor that bedazzled the senses for the fleeting moment before it burned out. It was such a rare ephemeral experience - even to the most serious audiofile. Priceless.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Next story:

Depression

(Oct 1978 - Apr 1979) I had a suicidal bout of depression back in 1979, but I am writing about it now in Feb 2022. I'm thinking back, trying to piece the details together. This is important. Dealing with depression made me wiser and stronger. I'd like to share this triumphant ordeal.....more »»

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