Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Edgar Villchur Obituary
Villchur died Monday of natural causes at his Woodstock home, his daughter, Miriam Villchur Berg, said Tuesday.
After serving as an Army electronics officer in World War II, the Manhattan native opened a radio repair shop in Greenwich Village, where he built custom home high-fidelity sets. He moved to Woodstock in 1952, and it was while living there and teaching an acoustics class at New York University that he came up with the idea for the acoustic suspension loudspeaker, said Berg, a Woodstock resident.
The closed-cabinet device was much smaller than the audio equipment of the era, and Villchur's invention was credited with bringing hi-fi into people's homes. His AR-3 speaker is on display in the Smithsonian Institution.
"He found that loudspeakers didn't need to be 6 feet tall. They could sit on a book shelf," his daughter told The Associated Press.
Villchur produced the prototype for what became known as the AR speaker in a bedroom-turned-workshop he set up in the family home, she said. He received a patent for his new loudspeaker in 1952, two years after founding Acoustic Research Inc. with Henry Kloss, one of his NYU students.
The company produced the popular line of AR hi-fi loudspeakers, turntables and other stereo components Villchur designed. After selling the company in 1967, he went into hearing aid research and developed the multichannel compression hearing aid that has become the industry standard.
Berg said her father first tried to sell his loudspeaker prototype but found no buyers. Instead, he went into business for himself, starting a company that provided health insurance and profit sharing at a time when such benefits were uncommon among American companies in the 1950s and '60s.
Villchur is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary, his daughter, and a son, Mark, of Boston.
Funeral services are private. A memorial service will be held Sunday at the Woodstock Artists Association.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
36 Entries
Suzette Green
May 14, 2013
Romy and Eddie tok me into their lives in 1968, and became my family in Woodstock while I studied at the Art Students League and UCCC. I assisted Ed with drawings for his papers, and have enjoyed many years of friendship with him and Romy. I am grateful for the time in my life when we were close, I learned so much from both Ed and Romy. To this day I carry them close to my heart. My love to Romy, Miriam, and Mark.
Rivers Burke
January 14, 2012
Eddy and Rome, I will allways be thinking
of both of you, how my family was treated
while I took care of Eddy. We all miss both of you
Paul Stiles
December 20, 2011
While I never had the honor or pleasure of knowing Mr. Villchur personally, he was someone whose accomplishments I truly admired. My AR2ax and LST2 speakers and XA turntable brought me immense pleasure and opened up the world of music reproduction for me. My career in electronics came about because of my audio equipment interests.
I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Villchur's family
Peter Whitelam
November 25, 2011
I first met Ed Villchur at the Grand Central Station booth with his
assistant, a delightful lady called Sunshine Trankler. This have been around 1962 when his speakers were the talk of the audio world and all my colleagues in advertising wanted them. Apart from his erudition, Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and spending an hour or two each week at that stand was very valuable. Without being a close friend I kept in touch with him for a while before returning to England. I always wanted to visit him
In Woodstock, but never did. A closer friend who I saw frequently
was Sid Smith, the Marantz designer, who died 10 years ago. Both he and Ed Villchur enriched the lives of so many music lovers, besides being warm caring people with great talent. They
helped to create magic in sound reproduction and should never
be forgotten.
How you can show support
Peter Whitelam
November 20, 2011
I first met Ed Villchur at the Grand Central Station booth with his
assistant, a delightful lady called Sunshine Trankler. This must have been about 1962 and, apart from his obvious erudition, I was impressed by Ed's marvelous sense of humor. Working at an advertising agency on Madison Avenue, some of my best lunch times were spent at Ed's AR booth. A closer friend who I saw frequently was Sid Smith, the Marantz designer, who died 10 years ago. Both he and Ed Villchur enriched the lives of so many music lovers, besides being warm caring people with great talent. They helped to create magic in sound reproduction and should never
be forgotten.
November 19, 2011
"I had know idea what I was missing in the true sound of music,until i bought my first pair of AR4s! they changed my life,and the way I appreciate the sound of music! My familly sends their condolences,and heart felt sorrow for your loss. He was a true Genius! ( Matthew King Boylston,MA )
W Dillon
October 23, 2011
Probably a half dozen men pioneered the golden era of audio.James Bullough Lansing(JBL/Altec Lansing)and Mr Villchur were at the top. His was the east coast sound. His vintage speakers still bring high dollars.
George Roberts
October 22, 2011
My prayers go out to the Villchur family and friends. The very first time I heard a real stereo was in a college dorm in 1969. One of the guys had a stereo in his dorm room with AR speakers on his bookshelf. I was hooked and amazed. I am still in the electronics business. I sold a lot of Advent Loudspeakers (Pacific Stereo/The Federated Group). I even used Advent woofers for my Honda car stereo. Lots of great memories and inspiration from the AR/Advent family. Thank you Mr. Villchur.
Karen Caldwell
October 21, 2011
To the family of Edgar Villchur,
It is with deep regret on the passing of Edgar Villchur I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.
May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.
Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1 will offer you some comfort , but the loss of a love one is more direct and personal. So wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Marilynn
October 21, 2011
To the family of Mr. Villchur and friends. My sincere condolences to the family at this very difficult time in your lives. Words can't express the sadness that such loss can bring. May our Heavenly Father give you peace and comfort, very comforting are the words found at Psalm 147:3-He is healing the broken hearted one's.
Clyde Munz
October 20, 2011
Ed Villchur was to audio acoustics what Steve Job was to computers, but much more humble. Anyone who enjoys music owes a debt to Ed.
A V
October 20, 2011
I'm sure the Almighty is conferring with him about updating His celestial system. Without him and his colleagues, high end audio wouldn't be what it is today. Critics at Sterophile and The Absolute Sound still refer to AR products when comparing new speakers to old benchmarks. Next time i play Verdi's Requiem, it's for Mr. Villchur. A V StL. Mo
October 20, 2011
Rest In Peace Mr.Villchur.
Thank You For Bringing Music Into Our Homes.I Only Listen To Music With Your Speakers,Nothing Compares Or Comes Close.
My AR-3`s,AR-3a`s,AR-5`s And AR-4`s After Over 40 Years Old They Sound Better Then Ever,Thanks To Your Genius.Trevor Holtzworth
Tom Glenn
October 20, 2011
The greatest tribute to an inventor is that many people buy and benefit from his inventions. Edgar definitely succeeded in that. I still use my AR-4x loudspeakers as well as my Advents.
Trina
October 20, 2011
May God wipe the tears from your eyes. Rev 21:4
Dave Grillo
October 19, 2011
Edgar along with Henry Kloss were two of the GIANTS of American HiFi. I still have my vintage LARGE ADVENT loudspeakers that I bought new in 1978 and they can rival any speaker of similar size and design to this day. Thanks Edgar for all you have done for audio enthusiasts around the world. RIP.
Gerald Pratt
October 19, 2011
Edgar Villchur has been best known by me over the last few decades for his involvement in Audio. Thank you sir for the designs and products you developed. He contributed to our great art of audio and we loved him for it.
David Schwartz
October 19, 2011
What a wonderfully long and productive life Mr. Villchur had. My condolences to Mark, a great high school friend, and the whole Villchur family.
October 19, 2011
Music is a beautiful gift from our Great God. So thank you for helping us to be heard.
"Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the [celestial] lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow."
Louisiana
October 19, 2011
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Villchur Family in their time of grief.
At times like these, 'God can give us "power beyond what is normal," so we can keep going from one day to the next. (2 Cor. 4: 7)
C. Wilson
October 19, 2011
ed was generous beyond normal expectations of the word. he opened his house to have a memrial for my husband and kept a woodstocker home when she had a.l.s. his yearly parties were a celebration of life and woodstock. ellie steffen
October 19, 2011
May it be a comfort to you to know that God, as well as others, care about your feelings at this time.
slb - michigan
October 19, 2011
My sincere condolence to the Villchur family ,,,,May the God of all comfort comfort the family with tender mercies Psalms 147:3
Grace m
October 18, 2011
Thank you for sound! Music is my passion. My prayers are with the family.
Fred Martin
October 18, 2011
Like Dana, I was a friend of Mark's in high school and college. Best wishes to you Mark and your family.
October 18, 2011
To the family of Edgar Villchur. May you be comforted by the God of all comfort and peace give you rest during this difficult time.
October 18, 2011
To the family of Edgar Villchur, my condolences for the loss of your beloved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this difficult time. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
Mike Williams
October 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 18, 2011
Thank you for all you have done for the world of acoustics and high-fidelity. I owe my 30 year career in the consumer electronics business to you and other pioneers in this marvelous field. Randy (co)
Kate Schultz
October 18, 2011
Remembering him and very saddened to hear the news. Love to the entire family.
Dana Loprieno
October 18, 2011
I have been friends with "Eddie's" son Mark for most of my life. We used to play poker in his lab...I always knew he was an audio pioneer, but, not to the full extent...a remarkable life he had...very gracious and kind also.
Ariel Lublin
October 18, 2011
Thinking of Eddie with warm memories, and of Romy, Mark, and Miriam with deepest compassion....Love from Ariel
Hart
October 18, 2011
Our condolences to Mr. Edgar's family, May our Heavenly Father, the GOD of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. WIth deep sympathy,
gerald berke
October 18, 2011
A great life. Great. Thank you.
gerald berke
October 18, 2011
Thank you. I know those speakers! They were the thing! So this is the man that did it! And he lived right here.
Sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing this.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Edgar Villchur's name
How to support Edgar's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edgar Villchur's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored