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Heathkit AR-13

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description Heathkit AR-13 Overview

The Heathkit AR-13 is an all-transistor stereo receiver sold by the Heath Company as an electronics kit. Its circuitry combines AM, FM, and FM-stereo tuning with two 20-watt power amplifiers and separate preamplifiers; catalog descriptions list 43 transistors and 16 diodes. The kit was intended for hobbyists who wanted to assemble a home audio receiver and amplifier from supplied components.

help Heathkit AR-13 FAQ

What was the Heathkit AR-13?

The AR-13 was a Heathkit all-transistor AM/FM stereo receiver kit from 1963. Its design used 43 transistors, 16 diodes, and two 20-watt power amplifiers. [Radiomuseum](https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/heath_all_transistor_all_mode_stereo_receiver_ar_13.html)

Did the AR-13 receive FM stereo or only AM radio?

It included broadcast AM, FM, and FM stereo reception, with automatic stereo switching. The receiver required external speakers because the amplifier and tuner were housed in the main chassis. [Heathkit 1963 catalog](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Catalogs/Heathkit-Catalogs/Heathkit-1963-80-34.pdf)

How powerful was the Heathkit AR-13?

Heathkit rated it at 20 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load. That gave the receiver 40 watts of total undistorted output under the catalog’s stated rating. [Radiomuseum](https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/heath_all_transistor_all_mode_stereo_receiver_ar_13.html)

Was the AR-13 difficult to assemble compared with other Heathkit receivers?

The kit still required substantial wiring and testing, but Heathkit supplied a preassembled, prealigned front end and AM-FM intermediate-frequency strip. Its walnut cabinet and low-profile stereo design were intended to resemble finished consumer audio equipment. [Heathkit 1963 catalog](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Catalogs/Heathkit-Catalogs/Heathkit-1963-80-34.pdf)

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