A very high-performance main speaker for a truly budget price. The Arx A3 floorstanding loudspeaker has real technical advantages nothing in it's class can match.
Arx A3 floorstanding loudspeaker
Huge sound, tiny price ... and flexible setup options
The Arx A3 is a compact main speaker with advanced technology. It uses one 3" planar magnetic tweeter and a pair of identical 5.25" "SplitGap" woofers housed in a slender, smart-looking, computer-milled floor-standing enclosure, assembled high quality standards, and finished in economical simulated black ash.
A removable black knit grille, rear-facing aerodynamic tuned port, and heavy, single input terminal pair complete the speaker. The A3 includes a removable base, and a concealed lower chamber that may be filled to mass-load the speaker for greater stability and a better sonic focus.
Special technologies usually reserved for expensive speakers
The A3's flat-panel "planar magnetic" tweeter replaces conventional domes and cones with a nearly weightless thermoplastic "leaf" driven by an intense magnetic field that completely saturates its surface.
The special Arx planar-magnetic tweeter is also many times larger than a conventional dome, and has only one moving part. It has proportionally lower operational distortion and proportionally higher thermal power handling, all the while retaining a clean, clear, almost immaterial sonic character.
The result is a lightening-quick response, high linearity, and exceptional high frequency performance unavailable elsewhere at the price.
Download the free Arx User Guide
The A3's planar-magnetic tweeter combines superb sonics and high output.
Tandem SplitGap low frequency drivers for superb bass
To compliment the excellent Arx treble, the A3 floorstanding loudspeaker also provides powerful, low distortion bass performance. Arx "SplitGap" bass technology drives the speaker to higher output and lower distortion at the same time. Arx licenses this dual-gap, low-distortion, XBL2bass technology, which includes a pair of force-generating magnet gaps where all conventional drivers use one.
Dual, 5.25" SplitGap midwoofers generate the big sound of speakers with nearly double their cone area.
SplitGap provides far more linear cone motion for the effortless and powerful bass you'll hear from the compact Arx A3 tower. SplitGap also dramatically lowers speaker distortion for a difference you can hear.
Combined with the exceptional Arx planar magnetic tweeter, this new bass technology raises the entire speaker's performance to a level unavailable at this price until now.
Download the SplitGap white paper
The Arx A3 is designed for freestanding main loudspeaker use. The A3 is best used with its front face placed a foot or more from major boundaries - this model is a powerful loudspeaker best used in moderately-sized to large rooms. Diffraction compensation equalizes the speaker's frequency response so that as omnidirectional low frequencies begin to wrap around the cabinet, more directional upper frequencies remain tonally balanced.
The Arx A3 includes a convertible bass refex system with an aerodynamically-flared rear port that provides bass reinforcement at low frequencies. This port is designed for high flow - it compliments the A3's very long throw woofers' much higher than average maximum output.
The port comes loaded with a removable charcoalester foam plug that if used with the speaker in a main-channel arrangement, converts the system to acoustic suspension and may aid the A3's AVR or processor crossover integration to the system's .1 channel active subwoofer. The convertible nature of the A3's bass system gives the speaker added flexibility for numerous setup options.
The Arx A3's tuned bass alignment extends the A3's bass response to impressive depth for such a trim, floorstanding tower.
The Arx A3 excels at music and its high-power crossover network sums the drivers seamlessly. Like all Arx models, the A3 has been engineered for a consistent soundfield with excellent acoustical power distribution. Inside we've used heavy gauge, low-loss inductors, premium film capacitors, and metal film resistors, all CAD-designed and tuned by ear over dozens of hours of critical listening.
Heavy, gold-plated input terminals connect to the A3's CAD-optimized and hand-tuned crossover network.
For a complete Arx system, turn to the A1 satellite speaker for effects duty and the A2 for excellent center-channel performance - the Arx A3 speaker shares identical drivers and acoustics with the rest of the line, allowing you to mix and match easily.
With spacious soundscapes being such an essential part of the home theater experience, the A3's extremely faithful high frequency personality is a must, while it's upgraded bass performance is a true revelation for its modest size and price.
An oversized, aerodynamically-flared port optimizes the A3's substantial bass response.
All Arx models feature a no-frills Black Ash PVC vinylwrap finish over heavy CNC mill-cut panels. Precision joinery from one of the world's best speaker cabinet makers combine with very special Arx drivers and design expertise to deliver the amazing sound and tremendous value the line is fast becoming known for.
For shoppers looking for a powerful reference loudspeaker with the most authentic overall sound under $1000 the pair, the Arx A3 deserves a listen. Specially designed for the dynamic, see-through sound that reveals just what's in the mix, the new A3 has the balance, poise, and power to fill the room.
The Audio Insider is proud to present this extraordinary line of products at very special prices. Try a pair of Arx A3's anywhere you need excellent resolution, lowest distortion, and the most satisfying sound in its class.
Arx technology
The Audio Insider's new Arx models are based on not one but two important, groundbreaking technologies. We've got both in one economical performance loudspeaker. The first is the "planar-magnetic" high frequency technology we pioneered so economically. The second is the radical new Arx "SplitGap" bass technology.
Tweeter
All Arx speakers use a special planar magnetic flat-panel tweeter with superb high frequency characteristics. This special device is quite unique to speaker systems of the modest Arx cost. In fact, this device is typically found in speakers costing many times more than Arx.
The planar magnetic tweeter consists of a feather-light membrane driven uniformly by a magnetic field created by intensely powerful Neodymium bar magnets. Foil conductors are bonded to the thermoplastic membrane and carry delicate high-frequency signals nearly perfectly. Lacking the complex mechanical interplay of the many parts that comprise conventional tweeters, the planar magnetic tweeter's sound has both great detail and excellent dynamic power, imparting music and soundtracks with the natural, neutral high frequency detail needed for high realism, and the robust output required for today's dynamic recordings. The planar magnetic tweeter also possesses high thermal capacity and electrical power handling, together with controlled dispersion, making it sure to keep its cool during peak demands and to do so predictably within the listening environment.
Compared to usual domes and cones, you can see just how different Arx planar magnetic tweeters are.
The entire sound-producing assembly has been replaced with an elegantly simple emissive diaphragm of flat, micro-light polymer film. This diaphragm has a flat response to beyond 30kHz, a half octave beyond most dome tweeters. In an Arx tweeter, there's less to resonate, less to distort, and less to fail.
The Arx tweeter's voice coil is an evenly distributed pattern of ultra-light foil. That's it. No other parts are needed, there's nothing to weigh down the moving surface, and the Arx tweeter diaphragm is more evenly driven by this special circuit.
The flat, ultra-low mass Arx tweeter diaphragm is energized by rows of powerful Neodymium magnets, ounce for ounce about five times more powerful than those in regular tweeters.
Arx's special tweeters have more radiating area, given them a reduction in intermodulation distortion you can hear and measure - your music and soundtracks simply sound clearer, more effortless, and more transparent.
Unlike the lesser domes found in common speakers at Arx's low cost, the planar magnetic or "ribbon" tweeter has lower distortion at every volume level.
Midrange / Midbass
All Arx models mate special tweeter technology with either one or two high-power "SplitGap" woofers with licensed XBL2 dual-gap technology. These drivers feature radically higher excursion and very low distortion, and are precision-tuned to each Arx enclosure for best bass output from compact enclosures.
What is XBL2 SplitGap? This radical new licensed technology adds a second voice coil gap and significant distortion-reduction - think of it as a turbocharged regular woofer. SplitGap's second drive gap is carefully positioned so that where a conventional woofer's gives up, an Arx cone shifts into acoustic overdrive and virtually doubles its output. For an audible bonus, SplitGap slashes distortion at the same time.
SplitGap woofers have shorter voice coils for lower moving mass and lower inductance, giving Arx speakers excellent midrange articulation.
Copper in the SplitGap motor reduces distortion-causing flux modulation, greatly extends speaker response, and improves thermal capacity for higher power handling.
SplitGap motors have more uniform cone drive, lowering distortion at any point of motion.
SplitGap has 30% less of the motor distortion of regular woofers and the difference is unmistakable. Compared to a comparable conventional design, the Arx XBL2 motor technology also nearly literally doubles the speaker's "volume displacement" - the total amount of air the woofer driver can displace - for unexpectedly deep and dynamic bass.
The Arx high performance midwoofer, while having the broader midrange dispersion and higher extension of a 5.25" cone, can move as much or more air as a good 6.5" woofer. The Arx SplitGap woofer also greatly reduces distortion, runs cooler, and can take more power.
Crossover networks
All Arx models, whether bookshelf monitor, LCR multi-purpose monitor, or floorstanding tower, include precision crossover assemblies optimized for linear power and predictable dispersion. Components are best quality, featuring epoxy circuit boards, low-loss inductors and premium select film capacitors for critical signal areas. The A1 monitor and A3 tower use modified, low-Q 4th order transfer functions, while the A2 uses a modified 3rd order function between woofers and tweeter.
Cabinets
Extreme Arx performance requires a heavy, braced enclosure, which all models have. All models rely on precision, computererized mill-cut 18mm thick reinforced cabinets from one of the best cabinet houses in the industry. While not fancy, these enclosures are perfectly tuned and heavy enough for great sonics at any level.Extreme Arx value calls for conservative finishes, which is why every Arx speaker is finished in simulated Black Ash PVC. Arx finishes clean easily, blend in, and with reasonable care, last a long time.
The Little Towers That Could
"I dare you to find another $500 pair of tower speakers employing anything even remotely as advanced or refined as XBL2 motor designs or true planar tweeters in their setups. Again…you won’t. Not for $500.
"To say that I’m impressed with the refinement that the A3′s put forth is an understatement. I’m very impressed. [...]
"With a simple and smooth 8-ohm nominal impedance rating (and little deviation from that figure), these speakers are an easy load to drive for just about any receiver or amplifier. As with most speakers, they respond very favorably to high current amplification. The bass gets deeper, more controlled, and the midrange and treble see added clarity from high current amplifiers,
"The cabinets are much more sturdy than they appear. I promise this will strike you when you take them out of the box. We’re talking the opposite of B**e; these cabinets are solid, properly braced, and adequately damped. Are they plain looking? Absolutely. Are they ugly? Not to me. The cabinets are finished in a simple but well-executed black ash PVC laminate. After hearing them, I found it difficult to focus on how they looked. It’s a non issue. If you want to buy furniture-grade cabinets, you’re looking at the wrong line of speakers.
"To conclude, I’m amazed at how well these A3′s handled my room. Shocked. I’m pretty confident that anybody shopping for a pair of refined towers for $900 per pair should definitely consider these. I haven’t heard from Jon of one customer who has gotten the A3′s in their home and still taken advantage of the 30-day in home satisfaction guarantee. And I’m not surprised one bit."
Excerpts from Tom Shope’s report on the Arx A3 from the August 2010 issue of Affordable$$Audio:
"So if your budget is a mere $500 and you are seeking a floorstanding full-range speaker that delivers the natural, clean, open sound associated with high-end models, your options are extremely limited. On the other hand, what if you could buy a $1000 pair of speakers for only $500? [...]
"What you get for your small outlay is an unexpectedly sophisticated sound. Yep… sophistication for $500 bucks! The ribbon tweeter provides just what you’d expect, that is, if it wasn’t attached to such a bargain speaker. Detail in spades, with a clean, open, and vivid presentation. [...]
"The A3s deliver a knock-out sound and one listen will leave you staring in disbelief at your receipt. If you are constrained to a tight speaker budget, but you appreciate the (typically) sophisticated sound of more expensive speakers, then you would be very hard pressed to find anything that betters the high-quality Arx A3."
For the complete review, visit Affordable$$Audio and open the August 2010 issue (PDF file).
Based on my initial listening impressions (less than 8 hours), I can safely say that the Arx A2 is a vast improvement over the Original Acculine A2 (non-r version). The Arx A2 addresses my major criticisms of the Acculines, such as weak bass, and the unforgiving nature of the Neo3 tweeter on bright tracks such as mainstream pop music. If you were impressed by the original Acculines, you’ll be thrilled to hear the improvement of the Arx line. The Planar tweeter and SplitGap woofers work exceptionally well together…I think that Jon Lane and the folks at TAI have a definite winner on their hands. A big kudos to you at releasing this speaker at this price point. The Arx are a definite win for the value-oriented audio enthusiasts.
Based on my initial listening impressions (less than 8 hours), I can safely say that the Arx A2 is a vast improvement over the Original Acculine A2 (non-r version). The Arx A2 addresses my major criticisms of the Acculines, such as weak bass, and the unforgiving nature of the Neo3 tweeter on bright tracks such as mainstream pop music. If you were impressed by the original Acculines, you’ll be thrilled to hear the improvement of the Arx line.
The Planar tweeter and SplitGap woofers work exceptionally well together…I think that Jon Lane and the folks at TAI have a definite winner on their hands. A big kudos to you at releasing this speaker at this price point. The Arx are a definite win for the value-oriented audio enthusiasts.
-”Miwo”, writing at the AVS forum.
I’ve been listening to the Arx A3 for the past 24 hours using a Rotel receiver and my Neuhaus Laboratories T-2 amplifier, using vinyl records, CDs and iTunes music as my sources. A full review will have to wait until they are completely broken in but for now I would like to report that the Arx speakers are noticeably better than the Acculines and the difference was apparent pretty much from the moment I hooked them up…The sound was detailed, rich and sweet in a way that just makes you want to stand up and cheer. Stereo imaging is excellent and the speakers have a big sound that really creates presence and impact…Even at 24 hours in, they are definitely keepers and I am looking forward to complete break-in and a full review.
-Don Lindich at The Sound Advice Blog. Don continues at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Arx is noticeably better than Acculine in every way and rate in an entirely different league. I did not think it was possible, especially since the price stayed the same. Arx’s clarity, detail and precise sound definition are stunning and unequaled for the money. What I was not expecting is Arx’s warmth, richness and great sense of naturalness. Often when speakers go to extremes with clarity they sound harsh or bright and Arx has commendably avoided this. The Arx A3 speakers also have a big, full sound that creates real presence in the listening room.
Arx is noticeably better than Acculine in every way and rate in an entirely different league. I did not think it was possible, especially since the price stayed the same.
Arx’s clarity, detail and precise sound definition are stunning and unequaled for the money.
What I was not expecting is Arx’s warmth, richness and great sense of naturalness. Often when speakers go to extremes with clarity they sound harsh or bright and Arx has commendably avoided this.
The Arx A3 speakers also have a big, full sound that creates real presence in the listening room.
Writing in listener comments at our own forum, “daggerNC” notes:
And here is one my most important criteria when I judge speakers (and other components in the chain) – imaging and sound staging. I’ve got to be able to sonically “see” the musicians on the stage (real or studio): Steve dead center with his guitar, drums behind him, the sax to the left and back about 8′, cow bell on the left side of the drum set, backup vocalists either left and/or right of Steve, etc. And…….I can “see” the sound stage pretty well with these little bookshelves! Nice, but what really exceeded my expectations is something that is very special that only truely “good” speakers can do: portray all the different instruments and singers as unique sonic entities so that you can “see” the individual musicians with your ears. If you are present at a live performance (acoustic in a smaller venue is best) you hear all the musicians playing together, but you also can distinctly see and hear the bassist and the drummer and the lead guitar and the rhythm guitar and the keyboardest, etc. It’s not just hearing the instruments and vocals all mashed together, but hearing all the individual elements playing together to make one. It’s a very cool effect, and adds to the realism of the playback. Kudos to the Arx A1’s for doing a really decent job at this – not at the level my electrostatics could do, but d@mn, for these little inexpensive speakers??? So, bottom line…the A1’s are here to stay. My initial impressions conclude with this: somebody’s stupid here. Either Jon is for offering such a great little speaker at such a low cost, or we (speaker buying public) are for not scooping these up at this price point!
And here is one my most important criteria when I judge speakers (and other components in the chain) – imaging and sound staging. I’ve got to be able to sonically “see” the musicians on the stage (real or studio): Steve dead center with his guitar, drums behind him, the sax to the left and back about 8′, cow bell on the left side of the drum set, backup vocalists either left and/or right of Steve, etc. And…….I can “see” the sound stage pretty well with these little bookshelves! Nice, but what really exceeded my expectations is something that is very special that only truely “good” speakers can do: portray all the different instruments and singers as unique sonic entities so that you can “see” the individual musicians with your ears. If you are present at a live performance (acoustic in a smaller venue is best) you hear all the musicians playing together, but you also can distinctly see and hear the bassist and the drummer and the lead guitar and the rhythm guitar and the keyboardest, etc. It’s not just hearing the instruments and vocals all mashed together, but hearing all the individual elements playing together to make one. It’s a very cool effect, and adds to the realism of the playback. Kudos to the Arx A1’s for doing a really decent job at this – not at the level my electrostatics could do, but d@mn, for these little inexpensive speakers???
So, bottom line…the A1’s are here to stay. My initial impressions conclude with this: somebody’s stupid here. Either Jon is for offering such a great little speaker at such a low cost, or we (speaker buying public) are for not scooping these up at this price point!
Another AVS poster, “Tawaun da Bomb” has just started to get to know his Arx A3 and has this to say:
I just received my Arx 3’s and it will be a very tough speaker to beat for $499 a pair, very nice deep tight bass, very detailed mids and excellent topend extension…
Other comments related to The Audio Insider by phone and email are consistently enthusiastic: Arx make music. They have the ability to look inside a recording and lay out in space the “flesh and blood” of the recording. Arx are transparent, detailed, dimensional, and musically-satisfying.
Thanks to all for validating our design goals and we look forward to posting more comments and reviews soon.
