Audio Research filing for bankruptcy?

Welcome to the future of the hi-end market. Mac has only survived this long because it has exponentially greater brand recognition, has licensed their name to auto manufacturers, and has been publicly endorsed by the likes of Tom Cruise and Fallon.

But I am betting that Mac’s days/years are numbered.

The customer base of these hi-end brands was dwindling prior to the latest recession and that will now accelerate.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the largest Pass Labs dealership in the country recently shut down.

Just one example of the challenges facing these companies is the fact that there are $599 Chi-Fi preamps that can go toe-to-toe with the best SS preamps from these hi-end brands.

I think all the current esoteric/hi-end brands are facing these threats. I am doubtful ARC’s issue is mostly due to mismanagement. It appears they continue to have competent and loyal employees. Though I am pessimistic about the the company’s future, I wish them the best.

@helomech 

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the largest Pass Labs dealership in the country recently shut down.

Actually the dealership to which you refer did NOT shut down. He announced that he would be winding down operations and retire from the business in early 2024.

I heard mcintosh bought audio research 

Actually the dealership to which you refer did NOT shut down. He announced that he would be winding down operations and retire from the business in early 2024.

Same diff. The days are numbered for all these companies unless the old timers are made immortal.

Companies like B&O and B&W might survive a little longer because they are at least attempting to adapt. 

@jbl-4345 I heard mcintosh bought audio research 

Let's hope this is true.  Would give Mc an upper hand owning both, new options, when you see posts of Mc vs. ARC dating way way back, c/b great for their fans and consumers. Please sure more if you find out more, if you can. 

I just read some notes where ARC was looking for someone to invest capital to keep them afloat and out of default with the local MN bank. Deadline was not met, apparently.  Hopefully people generally understand its been weird times coming in/out of the pandemic, some parts supply has been limited, trying to get back on their feet. Maybe they could put some lines on hold, while keeping others afloat until there is some path forward.  Will keep an eye out, keeping fingers crossed for them. ARC has always been a staple platform for many of many of my audio friends.

#jbl-4345 #decooney

That happened years ago (2014) when the Mcintosh group acquired Audio Research.  Then Mcintosh sold ARC in 2020.  Mcintosh was sold itself in the past year or two.    Thats what GOOGLE is for!!

Yeah it sucks. I have a audio research sp-3-a1 which to my ears is the absolute best sounding tube preamp that was ever built period

jbl-4345

I heard mcintosh bought audio research

That’s not possible. The matter is before Minnesota Judicial Branch/Hennepin County and any transaction will require court approval. That will be contingent, in part, on creditors not objecting. There have been extensive filings in this matter (all online, you can read them for yourself) and there’s no reference anywhere to any source of financing yet. That’s the problem.

Perhaps Mac has an interest in joining up with ARC again. But there’s no way it’s a done deal.

decooney

I just read some notes where ARC was looking for someone to invest capital to keep them afloat and out of default with the local MN bank.

The filings suggest that the major creditor has waived claims against ARC and that its claims are confined to Trent Suggs and a private company (not ARC) that he owns.

@cleeds thanks for the updates, correction, and details.  It will be interesting to see if there is a way for some entity to step up and help carry this forward and not let ARC products get lost.

My only interest here is simply seeing American made home audio room products survive and stick around a while longer vs the new-era of iPhones and headphones. The next gen needs to experience this like we did.  Hope they can. 

decooney

It will be interesting to see if there is a way for some entity to step up and help carry this forward and not let ARC products get lost. My only interest here is simply seeing American made home audio room products survive and stick around a while longer ...

Same here. I wish ARC and all who work there the best. I'd feel that way if I didn't own ARC gear.

Seems that private equity has not hurt McIntosh Group at all:  

 McIntosh Group has been acquired by Highlander Partners, a Dallas-based private investment firm that manages over $2 billion in assets.