Electro-Voice Aristocrat 3-Way Speakers in Rare White Oak - Restored

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Rewired both units with high-quality, EV-spec wiring for optimal audio fidelity and reliability.
  3. Replaced damaged speaker cones and dust caps to restore like-new functionality and sound quality.
  4. Upgraded the crossovers to deliver improved bass response with a modern touch, enhancing overall audio performance.
  5. Added matching "Brilliance" and "Presence" controls using authentic vintage Aristocrat pots and knobs for a seamless retro aesthetic.
  6. 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. 

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