Electro-Voice Aristocrat 3-Way Speakers in Rare White Oak - Restored
$6,000.00
SOLD
Electro-Voice Aristocrat 3-Way Speakers in Rare White Oak - Restored
These speakers are a true rarity. In fact, they’re the only pair currently available online!
Crafted in the 1950s, when mono audio was king, most Aristocrats were sold as standalone units. Their corner-specific design made them ideal for single-speaker setups, often doubling as stands for record players. As a result, finding matching pairs today is exceptionally rare.
Even more special is their stunning white oak finish – a premium upgrade when originally purchased. The timeless look perfectly complements their legendary sound of these vintage speakers.
We acquired these speakers from their original owner, who had used them in separate rooms. One was originally a one-way speaker, while the other was a 3-way configuration. When we began the restoration process, we found both in rough shape. One speaker required reconing, and the internal components needed attention.
Now, fully restored, these Electro-Voice Aristocrats deliver rich, room-filling sound that’s true to their vintage roots. They’re ready to become the centerpiece of any audiophile’s collection and are a conversation starter to say the least.
What We Did to the Units:
- Matched the two 3-way units by incorporating a NOS T10 driver, 8HD horn, and T35 tweeter, ensuring both units are identical in performance and design.
- Rewired both units with high-quality, EV-spec wiring for optimal audio fidelity and reliability.
- Replaced damaged speaker cones and dust caps to restore like-new functionality and sound quality.
- Upgraded the crossovers to deliver improved bass response with a modern touch, enhancing overall audio performance.
- Added matching "Brilliance" and "Presence" controls using authentic vintage Aristocrat pots and knobs for a seamless retro aesthetic.
- Repaired worn screw holes and replaced any damaged screws, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.
Are These Aristocrats the Right Fit for You?
Aristocrat speakers are crafted for serious collectors and discerning audiophiles. Designed in an era before music leaned heavily on bass, these speakers shine in midrange and high-frequency reproduction. If you're a pop music enthusiast, even with their 3-way design and premium $7,000 price tag, you might find the bass lacking. Pairing them with a quality subwoofer can fill out the low end, delivering a sound experience that rivals anything in their price range.
Where these speakers truly excel is in their ability to reproduce vocals and horns with remarkable clarity. They're perfect for genres like jazz, big band, early rock, classical, choral music, and country. That said, their exceptional performance ensures they can bring out the best in any music you love, making the Aristocrats a crown jewel for any setup.
Things to Know (That Don’t Affect Performance):
- Speaker Cone: One of the speaker cones has a small tear. After careful testing, we confirmed it doesn’t impact functionality, so we opted to keep the original speaker intact for authenticity.
- Knobs: One of the replaced knobs and is slightly different in color from the others. Specifically, the "Brilliance" and "Presence" knobs differ slightly in shade—please refer to the photos for details. The difference is subtle and barely noticeable in normal lighting.
- Cosmetic Condition: These speakers have a charming, vintage aesthetic with light signs of use consistent with their 70-year history. Small blemishes, like minor paint smudges, add to their character and story.
- 8HD Horn: There’s a small hairline crack in the 8HD horn. This has been professionally filled to ensure durability and does not affect the tone or performance.
Shipping:
Price includes shipping anywhere in the US.
For International orders, please reach out to FuzzAudio.com for a shipping estimate.
Need help deciding what tubes are best for you?
Use our plate cheat sheet and vacuum tube buyers guide to determine which tubes are best for you. Likewise, you are welcome to reach out to us directly at Support@FuzzAudio.com or by using our chat located on our shop page if you have further questions.
NOS vs. ANOS vs. Test NOS
These designations are strictly used to describe the cosmetic condition of our tubes. All tubes we sell test identically, come with 100% life and are guaranteed to work in your device!
If you are picky about owning an original box or wanting a specific logo please reach out to us before purchasing.
- NOS (New Old Stock) Tubes- are 100% brand new vintage tubes in mint cosmetic condition with show zero signs of use. You should expect a legible logo and clean straight pins. An original box is not guaranteed.
- ANOS Tubes- otherwise known as “almost new old stock” tubes are basically new, but may show slight signs of use in cosmetic condition, such as a missing logo or slightly bent pins. An original box is possible but unlikely.
- Test NOS Tubes- are used but still operating to specification with 100% life. These tubes are equal in function to NOS valves, yet they cost considerably less because they have cosmetic blemishes. If you plan to disappear your tubes into the back of an amplifier or do not care what the tubes look like, then this is cost effective choice. Blemishes and cosmetic imperfections do not affect tone…
Logos: Vintage tubes have a wide variety of logos printed on them. It is not uncommon to see a Mullard made tube with an RCA or GE logo, or a GE made tube with a Mullard logo. Your tube may come with a logo such are Heath Kit, Baldwin, Fisher, Hammond, Magnavox, Fender, Gibson, Silvertone, etc. but the true manufacturer of that tube will be correct to your order. If you are looking for a specific logo please reach out before purchase.
Testing Standards
Testing Standards
At Fuzz Audio:
- We match all tubes for free!
- All vintage tubes are guaranteed for one year.
- All tubes are tested on a calibrated Hickok 539C, Amplitrex, Maxi-Matcher, or other industry standard tube analyzers.
- Preamp tubes are matched by gain and mutual conductance (Gm)
- Power tubes matched by mA and Gm
- All tubes tested for microphonics and are guaranteed to work in your application.
- If you require SUPER LOW noise tubes, please reach out. We will most likely meet your requirements for free.
- Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, we are here for you.
We guarantee NOS test scores, clean pins, tight matches, and ultimately that they work in your application or YOUR MONEY BACK!
Tubes in photos represent the tube you will receive. Getter construction or logo may differ. Logo may be partially missing or cleaned off. You may or may not receive a box. Tube type, manufacture, and NOS test quality will NOT change. If logos and original boxes are a deal breaker- please reach out before purchase we are always happy to accommodate.
Shipping details
1. General
Subject to stock availability. We try to maintain accurate stock counts on our
website but from time-to-time there may be a stock discrepancy and we will not
be able to fulfill all your items at time of purchase. In this instance, we will
fulfill the available products to you, and contact you about whether you would
prefer to await restocking of the backordered item or if you would prefer for us
to process a refund.
2. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are calculated during checkout based on weight, dimensions and
destination of the items in the order. Payment for shipping will be collected
with the purchase.
This price will be the final price for shipping cost to the customer.
3. Returns
3.1 Return Due To Change Of Mind
Fuzz Audio will happily accept returns due to change of mind as long as a
request to return is received by us within 30 days of receipt of item and are
returned to us in original packaging, unused and in resellable condition.
Return shipping will be paid at the customers expense and will be required to
arrange their own shipping.
Once returns are received and accepted, refunds will be processed to store
credit for a future purchase. We will notify you once this has been completed
through email.
(Fuzz Audio) will refund the value of the goods returned but will NOT refund the
value of any shipping paid.
3.2 Warranty Returns
Fuzz Audio will happily honor any valid warranty claims, provided a claim is
submitted within 90 days of receipt of items.
Customers will be required to pre-pay the return shipping, however we will
reimburse you upon successful warranty claim.
Upon return receipt of items for warranty claim, you can expect Fuzz Audio to
process your warranty claim within 7 days.
Once warranty claim is confirmed, you will receive the choice of:
(a) refund to your payment method
(b) a refund in store credit
(c) a replacement item sent to you (if stock is available)
4. Delivery Terms
4.1 Transit Time Domestically
In general, domestic shipments are in transit for 2 - 10 days. We ship packages Tuesday-Thursday so plan accordingly.
4.2 Transit time Internationally
Generally, orders shipped internationally are in transit for 4 - 22 days. This
varies greatly depending on the courier you have selected. We are able to offer
a more specific estimate when you are choosing your courier at checkout.