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Audio Research discontinuing lower lines components?

I have looked at several components in Audio Research's line and they are discontinuing the LS17-se, PH8, and PH6.  They discontinued the DAC 8.  I know there is a new Ref 6 to replace the Ref 5se and their is a new Ref Phono 3 to replace the Ref Phone 2se coming out.  I talked to my dealer and he stated that Audio Research seems to be making their components look more McIntosh like in the Galeo series. 

The dealer stated their isn't going to be anything that he has heard that will replace the other lines at this point and that AR will be starting at the LS-27, which is $7500 for preamps.  The Ref 75se is the beginning of the line for Amps, which I know, but man are they going the Mac route with prices, nothing to replace the DAC 8 and the other DAC in the line is $11,000, what's up with this, have you guys heard anything more. 

The starting point for AR equipment is getting pretty high and the only way a newer person without means will be able to afford it will be to buy use, which could send the used prices up if there isn't anything else in the line.  What do you guys think and what have you heard?
sid1

Showing 7 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Well sounds like Audio research brand is taking it on the chin at this point. 

What goes up must come down I guess.

Cheers!
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Too bad,   I own and have liked ARC but oh well someone else will fill the niche if needed.   I wonder if their tube replacement and service costs will skyrocket as well?   If it does I will strongly consider dumping this brand now.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Its not hard to get good sound these days. If you are targeting high end, whatever that means, you probably have to be pricey and build Lamborghinis. But how many people really want or need a Lamborghini? Gotta make your money somehow.

Really sorry to hear that this has affected one off my favorites  ARC to such an extent though. Should have left good enough alone IMHO. But that ain’t the way things go  these days though.

Even one of my other favorites, good old blue collar OHM has raised prices considerably in recent years, at least for new stuff, but they also provide many ways to get the same quality sound for less via upgrades, trade-ins, refurbs, sales etc.     Gotta look out for your customers always.  That's the main thing.


mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Yes but the very rich get represented best except at election time, no matter who gets elected. its just a matter of which ones more than others. Dog eat dog.

Good news is anyone can become as rich as they want. It takes hard work smarts and determination no matter what. Probably a fair share of ego and a often a little luck as well.. Survival of the fittest. It just ain’t fair.   Who made up these rules?   Happened well before the Constitution took its stand after nasty England treated us unfairly (like Megyn treated poor Donald and the others more recently).    


mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Its a dog eat dog world. Always has been, always will. Mother nature can be cruel that way and always wins. We’ve just managed to change the paradigm to money and wealth as the main weapon to help determine the winners.   You can both play the game that you may have little control over and attempt to change it in any way you can by striving to do the right thing and not let the dark forces like greed and ego win. No wonder Star Wars is so popular? It abstracts human nature pretty well but in a galaxy far far away where things are really not that much different other than the technology and weapons in play.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
taters true but there is a reason so many find it entertaining that they might not even realize behind all the dazzle and glitz. It resonates with almost everyone at some level, Schwartz or no Schwartz..
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 
Hmm I'm not sure the average person was ever ARCs target.  It's always been high end and considered a reach for most.   Still a lot of people like it enough to take the plunge.   I've never considered ten top of line stuff but would not rule out lower end still.  My local dealer offered Roguevasva lower cost option to ARC and like ARC I've never heard a bad Rogue demo.  
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