Heads-Up: ARC introducing new G Series

Bojack, if the GSi75 is made up of all reference grade components, the pricing may not be too bad because there's a DAC function too. For example, if the GSi75 also has a headphone amp and/or a phono pre, then all the better. Putting together a like combo with the Ref 75 amp and the DAC 8 alone would cost some pretty change. Add to it PH-8 or Ref Phono 2 functionality, and you're way over the top. Just saying.

But you're 100% right on about the GS-Pre and GS 150 -- way, way over the pricing of the Ref 5 SE and Ref 150.

I gotta believe the pricing is based on more than just pretty looks and KT-150 tubes. Let's see what other folks come back with.

Kinda interesting that ARC is trying to touch a very well heeled market niche for this class of products. I wonder how this gear will compare with the Ref 10 and Ref 10 Phono? Both Ref 10 units price at $30K a pop.

Phil,

Here's a few snippets from your "What's Best Forum" link:

"I think we are seeing the demise of ARC as we have known it, not saying its bad, just a significant change in direction.

Hold on to the ARC gear you have and purchase now because you never know what is going to happen. Inevitably, new owners [want] to make changes and that can be dangerous.... "

And another,

"Most definitely this is the driver behind this exercise. Catering to the emerging market of nouveau riche audio snobs in emerging markets - slap new look on existing designs, jack up price and presto. Can't fault commercial enterprises for wanting to make a buck though."

.................

Being a die-hard ARC fan, I will keep an open mind. But at the same time, I am concerned that ARC may be directing its marketing focus to a more well heeled market segment, thereby freezing folks like me out.

Having said that, if one looks at ARC's complete product line, I suppose a credible argument can be made that ARC hasn't written off us "lesser well heeled" folks. Instead, they're just filling in the market niche between the Ref series and the "super" Ref 10 line.

Personally, I would like to see ARC cater more downstream by raising the Q factor of their existing product lines even more than the high level at which they are holding and lowering prices (gasp). But I suppose that the Fine Sounds Group market analyst types have done their homework and run the numbers.

Last point ... I remember from my basic marketing courses way back in Business School (40+ years ago) that a common marketing technique that retail companies often use is to change the package to keep an "old" product looking fresh. I hope the G Series is more than just pretty gingerbread and KT-120 tubes.

Hopefully we'll learn more from ARC in the coming weeks.

Phil ... well put. By the way, as you may know, another private equity group and some of the McIntosh management team partnered to take over Fine Sounds Group. That may herald another direction yet. As you said what I said, "time will tell."