The Audio Research EC-22 is a beautifully straightforward piece of vintage ARC engineering—a no-nonsense electronic crossover built for audiophiles who wanted precision without sacrificing musicality. Designed in the early days of Audio Research’s rise, the EC-22 brings that classic ARC sensibility to system tuning: clean signal paths, thoughtful circuitry, and a sound that stays out of the way while letting the music do its thing. Sonically, it’s smooth, coherent, and remarkably transparent, helping active systems lock in tighter bass, clearer mids, and better overall balance without adding glare or grain. It’s utilitarian in looks, serious in purpose, and quietly brilliant—one of those behind-the-scenes components that doesn’t ask for attention, but earns respect the moment you hear what it does.
Has the 150Hz/200Hz with 12dB/6dB slope cards installed
Crossover Cards Available (as replacement or additional cost)
400Hz/400Hz with 6dB/6dB slope
500Hz/500Hz with 12dB/12dB slope
We also have a card that hasn't been set for crossover points that you can set your own with.
- Production
- 1990
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 30212004
- Orig. MSRP
- $2600
- Restoration
- Repaired crossover card that s=was shorting pins
- Cleaned all pots and switches
Detailed
- Factory Specs
Frequency response
± .5 dB, .1Hz to 100kHz. -3dB points below .02Hz and above 450kHz
Distortion
Less than .01% at 1V RMS output. (Typically less than .005% in midband)
Noise & hum
Less than 1µV RMS maximum residual unweighted wideband noise at main output. (120dB below 1V RMS output)
Gain
Input to direct output: 0dB. Input to treble output: 0dB. Input to bass output: +9, -10.5dB.
Input impedance
50K ohms
Output impedance
250 ohms main output. Recommended load 60K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 1000pF maximum)
Maximum inputs
15V maximum
Rated outputs
1V RMS 5Hz to 50kHz, all outputs 100K ohm load (main output capability is 17V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz into a 100K ohm load with 17V RMS input)
Power supplies
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies. Shielded toroid transformer. Line regulation better than .01%
Power requirements
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 55 Watts maximum
Dimensions
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10¼" (26 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm)
Weight
12 lbs. (5.5 kg) Net; 20 lbs. (9.5 kg) Shipping
- The History of Audio Research
- Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
It's commonly known that the internal passive crossovers of most loudspeakers are the biggest hindrance to better performance - in both dynamics and resolution. The simple fact is that with actively controlled filter contours, many loudspeakers are capable of truly amazing improvements. The Audio Research EC22 active 2-way electronic crossover can help bring your music reproduction system to its full potential.
By dividing the low-level signal from the preamplifier to the power amplifiers. the fully active EC22 allows an appropriate speaker system to easily outperform the same system using the best passive crossover components. When actively biamplifying speakers, each amplifier is called upon to amplify a limited frequency range or bandwidth, which makes its job more specific and thus easier. Since the amplifiers are not losing any of their power into passive crossover components, their effective power is seemingly doubled or even tripled. With the amplifiers "feeding" the speaker drivers directly, the speaker system is controlled in a much more linear fashion, yielding higher resolution, lower distortion and musical dynamics which are explosively lifelike.
And, as your system changes, your EC22 can change with it. If you should decide to change loudspeakers, simply order a new set of crossover modules from your Audio Research dealer. plug them in the computer-grade receptacles in each channel, and enjoy. Or. you may have the modules rebuilt to new specifications by Audio Research.
The EC22 also offers a level of operational convenience and flexibility almost unique in an electronic crossover of this caliber. Gold-plated inputs and outputs specially selected for their sonic purity include a pair of Direct Outputs which pass the input signal through without alteration or boost - for subwoofers using their own internal crossover, or for running a second set of loudspeakers. Automatic start-up and "brown-out" muting are further supplemented by a manual Mute switch on the front panel. Precise matching of output between bass and treble amplifier is easy with the "coarse" (3 dB steps) and "fine" (.5 dB steps) bass level controls. And, although the EC22 has a dedicated power-on switch, it is all solid-state in its circuit topology and may be left on continuously for years of reliable, consistent performance.
In short, the Audio Research EC22 active 2-way electronic crossover may be the only such component on the market today which truly deserves the appellation "State-of-the-Art." Its design virtually assures that it will remain so as long as you choose to own it.
- Packing
- Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $75, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 9257405776093
The Audio Research EC-22 is a beautifully straightforward piece of vintage ARC engineering—a no-nonsense electronic crossover built for audiophiles who wanted precision without sacrificing musicality. Designed in the early days of Audio Research’s rise, the EC-22 brings that classic ARC sensibility to system tuning: clean signal paths, thoughtful circuitry, and a sound that stays out of the way while letting the music do its thing. Sonically, it’s smooth, coherent, and remarkably transparent, helping active systems lock in tighter bass, clearer mids, and better overall balance without adding glare or grain. It’s utilitarian in looks, serious in purpose, and quietly brilliant—one of those behind-the-scenes components that doesn’t ask for attention, but earns respect the moment you hear what it does.
Has the 150Hz/200Hz with 12dB/6dB slope cards installed
Crossover Cards Available (as replacement or additional cost)
400Hz/400Hz with 6dB/6dB slope
500Hz/500Hz with 12dB/12dB slope
We also have a card that hasn't been set for crossover points that you can set your own with.
Production
1990
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
30212004
Orig. MSRP
$2600
Restoration
- Repaired crossover card that s=was shorting pins
- Cleaned all pots and switches
Detailed
Factory Specs
Frequency response
± .5 dB, .1Hz to 100kHz. -3dB points below .02Hz and above 450kHz
Distortion
Less than .01% at 1V RMS output. (Typically less than .005% in midband)
Noise & hum
Less than 1µV RMS maximum residual unweighted wideband noise at main output. (120dB below 1V RMS output)
Gain
Input to direct output: 0dB. Input to treble output: 0dB. Input to bass output: +9, -10.5dB.
Input impedance
50K ohms
Output impedance
250 ohms main output. Recommended load 60K ohms and 100pF. (20K ohms minimum and 1000pF maximum)
Maximum inputs
15V maximum
Rated outputs
1V RMS 5Hz to 50kHz, all outputs 100K ohm load (main output capability is 17V RMS output at ½% THD at 1kHz into a 100K ohm load with 17V RMS input)
Power supplies
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies. Shielded toroid transformer. Line regulation better than .01%
Power requirements
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 55 Watts maximum
Dimensions
19" (48 cm) W x 5¼" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 10¼" (26 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ⅝" (4.1 cm) forward of front panel. Rear chassis fittings extend ⅞" (2.3 cm)
Weight
12 lbs. (5.5 kg) Net; 20 lbs. (9.5 kg) Shipping
The History of Audio Research
Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
It's commonly known that the internal passive crossovers of most loudspeakers are the biggest hindrance to better performance - in both dynamics and resolution. The simple fact is that with actively controlled filter contours, many loudspeakers are capable of truly amazing improvements. The Audio Research EC22 active 2-way electronic crossover can help bring your music reproduction system to its full potential.
By dividing the low-level signal from the preamplifier to the power amplifiers. the fully active EC22 allows an appropriate speaker system to easily outperform the same system using the best passive crossover components. When actively biamplifying speakers, each amplifier is called upon to amplify a limited frequency range or bandwidth, which makes its job more specific and thus easier. Since the amplifiers are not losing any of their power into passive crossover components, their effective power is seemingly doubled or even tripled. With the amplifiers "feeding" the speaker drivers directly, the speaker system is controlled in a much more linear fashion, yielding higher resolution, lower distortion and musical dynamics which are explosively lifelike.
And, as your system changes, your EC22 can change with it. If you should decide to change loudspeakers, simply order a new set of crossover modules from your Audio Research dealer. plug them in the computer-grade receptacles in each channel, and enjoy. Or. you may have the modules rebuilt to new specifications by Audio Research.
The EC22 also offers a level of operational convenience and flexibility almost unique in an electronic crossover of this caliber. Gold-plated inputs and outputs specially selected for their sonic purity include a pair of Direct Outputs which pass the input signal through without alteration or boost - for subwoofers using their own internal crossover, or for running a second set of loudspeakers. Automatic start-up and "brown-out" muting are further supplemented by a manual Mute switch on the front panel. Precise matching of output between bass and treble amplifier is easy with the "coarse" (3 dB steps) and "fine" (.5 dB steps) bass level controls. And, although the EC22 has a dedicated power-on switch, it is all solid-state in its circuit topology and may be left on continuously for years of reliable, consistent performance.
In short, the Audio Research EC22 active 2-way electronic crossover may be the only such component on the market today which truly deserves the appellation "State-of-the-Art." Its design virtually assures that it will remain so as long as you choose to own it.
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $75, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
9257405776093
