Audio Research Reference 320M is being debuted in Meunchen

They renamed it the Ref 330M because it puts out 330 watts.  Dave Gordon in his TAS interview at the Munich show said the price will be $90K for a pair.  The reviews of it from the show on YouTube are all very positive.

Part of me thinks "but why build a monster tube amp?" but having owned three ARC amps of various power ratings there is something about ARC's circuit designs where more power sounds better regardless of the room and speaker. 

But then, the more power tubes you have the higher the cost of use, the more heat generated in your room, and the more likelihood of a power tube failing or not being within bias range. 

All in all, unless you have a large room and demanding speakers, I would opt out but that is just me. I saw a CyberTruck for the first time today. Why would any sane person buy one? To be noticed imho. 

I am a former bike racer and continue to ride and love bicycles now that I am 64. You can go with tubes (inner tubes), tubulars, and tubeless (which uses sealant). All have advantages and disadvantages. You can go with super light custom steel, super light stock carbon, or custom/stock titanium, All have advantages and disadvantages. And so it with all in audio, including power amps. 

But then we come back to my first sentence. I stand by it. Powerful ARC amps are special. 

I think the major takeaway is that ARC has hired new design talent that can bring the 330M to market. ARC had financial problems, but even with capital you need skilled people to design new gear and repair old gear. Dave Gordon has said new products are in the pipeline. I don't think the 90K 330M is intended to be ARC"S ticket back to health.

I'm not privy to the innerworkings at ARC but I know a few guys that work there and 1 who used to work there. Take this as both hear-say and my own opinion which is subjective at best. 

I believe ARC wants the 330M to be the springboard to a much higher end line-up than they have had in the past. IMO they must introduce new products to regain momentum. None of that is secret knowledge. My read is this: There are new additions to the design team, new and ample cash infused, and a loyal customer base that will anxiously buy the new releases. I'm comforted that they didn't rush the 330M to market. They had every reason to do so but made sure it was perfect before it's release. That shows patience and integrity. 

On a personal note I have my place in line and can't wait to get a pair of  330Ms in my listening room!