Put me in the ARC camp. I hear the SP-3 and power amps driving Harry Pearson's maggies and was smitten.
In 1980 I bought a demo SP-6b and D90, driving IMF monitors and stayed happily with these for 10 years until I traded the IMF's for Thiel 3.5's in 1990. Again I was happy but eventually traded the D90 for a VTL ST-85, a mix of trade-offs. Eventually I sold the SP-6b when I went to surround sound in the early '90's, but about three years ago bought an old, much used 6a which I had upgraded with new caps and a new tube set. The magic is back, with an even better bass than the 6b. I am currently contemplating purchasing a D115mkii to complete my return to ARC.
To answer your question as originally asked, yes older ARC stuff is still good and a great bargain in today's market. Expect to do some refurbishing, but also expect you will be content for many years.
In 1980 I bought a demo SP-6b and D90, driving IMF monitors and stayed happily with these for 10 years until I traded the IMF's for Thiel 3.5's in 1990. Again I was happy but eventually traded the D90 for a VTL ST-85, a mix of trade-offs. Eventually I sold the SP-6b when I went to surround sound in the early '90's, but about three years ago bought an old, much used 6a which I had upgraded with new caps and a new tube set. The magic is back, with an even better bass than the 6b. I am currently contemplating purchasing a D115mkii to complete my return to ARC.
To answer your question as originally asked, yes older ARC stuff is still good and a great bargain in today's market. Expect to do some refurbishing, but also expect you will be content for many years.