I listened to a pair of Audio Research Reference 330Ms

I certainly hope that new ARC management is not expecting a 90K tube monoblock to restore consumer confidence post recivership. ARC has had a lot of QA issues due to outsourced parts and lack of repair techs that forums don’t report because fans ignore them and haters are ignorant of because they are not owners. Some issues have been addressed but others not. I've owned ARC gear since the late '70s and I have more issues with the 6SE/3SE/160S than any other previous ARC gear.

My assumption about Had amps is that he doesn't make enough of 'em to make a dent in the gear consumer world. Also, you need efficient speakers to get the most out of these amps (I've owned 2...a Firebottle HO SEP and a newer Firebottle Hotrod...My original HO sounded a little better than the Hotrod so I kept it). Simply a hand wired masterpiece that costs somewhat less than 90 grand. I would not trade it for any other amp, although I do sometimes swap in a Pass XA-25 to let the HO rest (that sounded sketchy), and the two amps sound amazingly similar for my tastes although the differences are fun to experience.

I am a middle-class audiophile and new ARC prices 5 years ago seemed like crazy expensive gear.  My system is the only thing I really splurge on so buying used one generation back ARC gear is where I landed so spending about $15k on the gen 1 of the 160M amps that were $30k retail is the top of the mountain for me.  That is still insane territory for many.  While $90k for ARC amps is a pretty significant leap, it seems they took a significant leap in technology and power as well.  When you start visiting the top dealers and see who ARC is competing with, that $90k for a pair of amps is around the median and that is their top model.  Look at Burmester, Gryphon and D'Agostino...you can quickly get to multiples of that...and do they sound better??  I love ARC products and the people of ARC that make ARC who and what they are.  I'm really hoping their business management makes wise decisions and they are able to continue to rebuild the trust from their clients and grow their business to offer both the 'modest' top gear along with some of the next-level components as well.  I stocked up a couple years ago with enough KT 150s to run my 160Ms for about 10 years...by then maybe I can get a pair of 330Ms for...oh..maybe $28k?  ; )

ARC was purchased by an individual who was overextended financially in doing so. The interest rates rose as well as tube cost and sent him into receivership for a small loan he couldn’t make the payment. A dedicated audio company came in immediately and paid the loan and took over the company. It has always a been viable business, remaining so during the short stint in receivership. The new owners are a profitable high end audio company with deep pockets.