Acoustic Research AR-18 S bookshelf speakers

You may be surprised by these american made little wonders. The AR 18 model can be found as 18S or 18LS; LS stands for the European version; both have identical components but LS were assembled in UK, for trade tax reasons. Production date: circa 1979.

This model gained a massive cult following among top recording engineers. Thanks to its sealed acoustic-suspension design, fast impulse response, and natural tonal accuracy, it emerged as an industry-standard alternative to high-end studio reference monitors.

They were used by Hugh Padgham for mixing for example, 'Synchronicity' and 'Ghost in the Machine' by The Police, 'Face Value' by Phil Collins and  Abacab by Genesis. George Martin after his Beatles period used them at Air Studios, Oxford Street.

The bass is quick, and punchy for a cabinet of its size. Mediums are transparent and articulate, for a sublime rendition of vocals and acoustic instruments. The treble is smooth, airy, and natural, no brittle or fatigue effect.

Add to this that they are super fast at transients and they image the soundstage incredibly well, you understand why their fame has reached us.

And you will not need dozens of watts to make them sparkle. Ideal for a small room, place them on high stands close to the wall or inside your bookshelf.

This elegant speaker does not show off with its light walnut finish and brown grilles, all long time classics.

Not a surprise that they were elected by "What Hi-Fi" in the hall of fame of the seventies.