Interesting. It sounds like you prefer modern ARC to historical ARC, and that you think ARC house sound (if I can call it that) has changed for the better over a number of years but to your ears is not (at least the integrated amp) quite on par with Ayre. I say ‘interesting’ because if anything some of what I’ve read on this site seems to lament ARCs direction and pine for the good old days there. But maybe that’s more as to service and old favorite employee departures than to sound quality.
I’m too new to the game to have a longer term point of reference, just trying to learn from those with experience and well formed opinions. I’m personally quite interested in ARC because I own a circa 2010 solid state ARC integrated (class D even - wow that’s way out on the ARC property fringes) and really like it. I got it as a demo unit on major sale while demoing a ton of speakers (didn’t have time/energy to put same level of effort into amp selection - it sounded great to me with the speakers I chose so that was good enough for me), and I knew from my last buying experience 20 yrs ago that ARC and Mc were two of biggest and well respected brands, and finally ARC was local to me so some regional pride in going with them I guess. It was kinda like, I can get ARC for this price? Done, back to focusing on speakers in my search. And I’m happy but probably don’t know what I’m missing if anything.
I guess in some ways different animals since ARC mainly tubes and Ayre mainly SS, from what I can tell. I think Luxman also in the latter camp and you’ve listened to Lux more, pls share your thoughts on how Ayre and Luxman compare to your ears. Thanks
