What is up with Audio Research during the pandemic?

The new COVID-19 epicenter! And it’s not where you think it would be.

https://apple.news/A8-yly5vnR-SUA4gL7PolOw

Have to give my kudos to the Tube Store... Got shipped nearly immediately and arrived in about 5 days from Canada to Colorado.

Sound quality is improved in every parameter that I can perceive in my ARC RefCD9... I went with all 6 of their middle of the line upgrade and matched tubes and have been totally satisfied and amazed at the improvement over the ARC originals which to be fair may have simply been past their prime.

I also then ordered some tube dampers from Herbies, a tiny shop I'm sure,  and that took about a month but yes they work amazingly well and the delay gave me chance to get the new tubes burnt in a bit as well as be able to compare the differences after installing the dampers... cleaned up the midrange and the bottom end in ways that added clarity without rough edges that can fatigue my ears.
Enjoy the music!

ARC, should be fine.  Bad times Now.   Plus look at the Long List of People this State votes for   

I disagree.  There is something special about tubes from Audio Research.   they not only take the time and expense to got though many tubes to correctly match tubes and make sure they are within the specifications and tolerances that Audio Research demands, but, they also will repair any device that is damaged due to their supplied tubes failing.

Not many tube suppliers will do that.

I do say that Audio Research supplied tubes are way more expensive.  

for my mono power amps, I will not purchase tubes from anywhere but Audio Research in the future.  I thought I would save money by purchasing from a very well known tube supplier in California,  They stated that the tubes were matched and within specifications for my amps and after installing the tubes and adjusting the bias as directed.  a Tube failed spectacularly (I was watching), and it took up some additional circuitry within the amp.  not just a resistor or two.  lots more.

I don't want to get into a debate as to whether it was a design flaw.  It wasn't.

The authorized Audio Research repair service I took them to for repair told me to never purchase tubes from that company because they do not fall within the Audio Research required specifications.  They actually tested all the tubes and measured them and also ordered and measured the new tubes from Audio Research and they were correct.  The tubes from the other tube supplier weren't close to the required Audio Research specs. Even though they were delivered with a statement saying they were.

Expensive lesson for me.

Most companies are severely impacted by this pandemic.  Try to order or purchase a bike now.  Since most (not all) bikes are made in Taiwan or China, there is a serious backlog on orders.

Since many American manufacturers decided they wanted to save money (or be competitive in prices), take your pick, by outsourcing construction and labor in Taiwan or China, this is what happens when that supply chain fails.

Hopefully, most of the companies and more importantly the people will recover when this is passed.  many won't.

enjoy

I just purchased a set of four 6922 for my ARC LS-15 from Upscale Audio in California. Received them in four days to NJ.  Amazing difference. Yes I bought the top shelf version.  In fact, immediately apparent, just getting better all the time.

rodman99999 : always enjoy your posts


mijostyn : Thanks for the link to the tube store
 

Always have a Plan B. You can always order from another vendor. Many know more about tubes/valves than ARC, because that's their only line of business.

Never forget that McIntosh is AR. AR is a division of McIntosh. And the parent is doing well selling big blue meters for everything and everyone.

A lot of very good points made already.
One more set of experiences to share just as an FYI.

Shipping is a bit all over the map - I am in NJ.
I had a TT from the UK arrive in less than 48 hours.
I have a 60Hz pulley traveling from the uK over a month - still not here.
I bought a plinth from Hungary - I got it in less than a week.
Ordered a TT weight from Hungary - took a month.
Ordered cables from Morrow Audio - great service, several email updates and cables are already shipped.
Got another package from CA in 3 days.
Seems to be that bigger / more expensive packages get to me from each shipper (FedEx, UPS and even USPS) quick. Smaller packages / non priority (not surprisingly) takes a long time.

Enjoythe music and support our small businesses who keep us happy!

@clio09do you offer 6H30 ???

Yep I am a big fan of Ram tubes and Rogers meticulous computer grading :-) just took delivery of a slug of 6922. 6D and EL-34

i don’t believe they offer a 6H30 for the more recent ARC gear which is a bummer

Perhaps Tony At Music Reference will chime in ..

ARC is a wonderful company, no doubt.  If you are in need of tubes in order to make your gear operate, and ARC is unable to ship at this time, there are other options to fulfill your needs.  As another suggested in this thread about securing tubes from a reliable source, I'll add that Upscale Audio in Glendora, California, is an outstanding source for tubes.  They  test and sort for lowest noise, too.  They are open for business and have an excellent turnaround time for shipping.  Hope this helps.
Enjoy the music.

 Audio Research deemed not an essential business was closed down for a significant amount of time. I believe they're open again. I believe they had people working from their homes . Shipping I'm sure suffered. I'm sure they have a shipping backlog  . I'm surprised you didn't get a response. If it was me I'd try again they're pretty good with customer service .

ARC used to have exemplary customer service (years back, when I owned their gear).      Since 2009; it’s part of the, "world" of McIntosh.         Enjoy your real estate: https://worldofmcintosh.com/

Since ARC responded to the OP recently, that's a good sign that they're still operating but at a limited capacity (as most businesses are).  I just got a notice from a company in Michigan that because of flooding, my order might be delayed.  Earlier in the year, any company that bought parts or had manufacturing in China had delays as well.  A sign of the times, I suppose. 

Ahhhhhh I see..thanks.

@audioguy85 I believe millercarbon’s post was deleted by the mods.

Why is everyone bashing MC? I do not see a post from him any where on the OP’s thread...maybe I’m missing something. Any how, I’m an essential worker so to speak and still have an income fortunately and have been able to make a few purchases audio wise, such as my tavish design classic. I had zero issues with purchase or shipping. And yes I feel i also helped out a few smaller businesses by spending my money....such as my local record store that recently reopened...

richopp

I called them today to ask a tech question, but their website says they are closed for a while. I sent an email; I am hoping to hear back soon re; using balanced-output amp with an SP-6.

Whatever question you have about an SP6 can almost certainly be  answered by your dealer. There's no need to call the manufacturer for that information.

Good idea geof3. Most of what you hear, read and see is propaganda. Forget about numbers. Nobody has any idea what the real numbers are.
Anyone mentioning numbers is OTL (out to lunch)
Humans, when they don't know what is going on they make stuff up.

Now yabe, as far as tubes go there is nothing special about ARC tubes.
I have been using ARC phono stages for decades. About 12-13 years ago I read about how RAM labs tests their tubes and grades them into three categories, standard, low noise and super low noise. On a lark I ordered a set of super low noise 6922's for a PH 3SE. Boy what a difference. It must have cut the noise levels 10dB maybe more.
Cancel your order and buy a set from here,  http://www.tubeaudiostore.com/ You will never buy a tube from anyone else. You have to test 100 tubes to get one Super Low Noise tube.

Mike

Let’s keep the political BS where it belongs... all points of view. This is a HIFI site, not Covid-19 debate squad. As to ARC. They are fine, I spoke with them a few days ago. Give them time. Everything is slower these days...

The only two devices I've acquired this year were manufactured overnight upon order and shipped immediately.. One had to wait for parts but I was apprised of their arrival and immediate fulfillment. Tracking all the way. Communication is all.

Politics aside and pretty much anywhere you look in medicine there are plenty of whack jobs ascribing all sorts of properties whatever ( fill in the blank ). But factually I do know this Hydroxy is a Malaria and Lupus drug essential for those who Depend on it. The WHO and CDC both say it does not help. And my wife and her sister each went a month without but because idiots with no real need managed to get a therapy prescription, then  fill it. ....
so you were saying what ???!!

To circle back around to the OP's original thoughts - tangentially, at least - I remember having several fruitful discussions with a few audio makers themselves, including Robert Lee of Acoustic Zen, Steve Deckert of Decware, and Clayton Shaw of Spatial, about products, audio advice and other stuff. When in doubt, call. Talk with someone. People are people.

I wasn’t offended, just slightly appalled. Not a credible treatment, in spite of the politics. He says he got well because of the prescription and I might suggest that he may be well in spite of the prescription. In any case, its dangerous to suggest a treatment when no one sought treatment advice. Especially so on an audio forum.

I did not suggest people take medicine without a prescription. As i mentioned, his doctor wrote a prescription. I just wanted to share a positive experience of another audiophile who happens to be well known. That’s all. So sorry if you were offended.

@adameos Oh my goodness! For whom? Was someone seeking a cure (I didnt read that plea) from a dude on an audio forum who knows of a dude on another audioforum whose “Dr” allegedly prescribed something and he didn’t die? What useful data could you possibly glean from this? This is irresponsible and unfortunate. Wow!

People, please don’t try this at home and put nothing in your body without a complete, balanced and thorough examination from a qualified physician.

Hi guys,

Tomic601, Stereo5, and Arion. Sorry, it seems you have friends or family who have fought a battle with Covid-19. Have you checked into the Chloroquine treatment? Gene DeleSala of Audioholics actually became infected with Covid-19 when someone from an audio show who was infected dropped by his house. He couldn’t reduce the viral load for over a month, and then was prescribed the Chloroquine Treatment by his doctor. He recovered in a matter of a few days upon taking it. Check out the audioholics youtube channel where Gene discusses his ordeal.

I called Vandersteen last week with a question (first time to call)- got Richard! What a pleasant surprise! Support your local manufacturers and dealers!!

-Bob

@richopp try Randy at Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica, most years he is the largest ARC dealer in USA - more than likely he can answer your question - and he is a really cool dude :-)

I called them today to ask a tech question, but their website says they are closed for a while.  I sent an email; I am hoping to hear back soon re; using balanced-output amp with an SP-6.  We shall see...

Cheers!

I think many companies are slow right now. I ordered a marantz integrated two months ago and still on backorder 

ARC has provided me with fantastic customer service over the years. If they have been slow getting your tubes out to you, please be patient. These are difficult times for businesses everywhere.

@tomic601    Thanks. Very sorry for your losses and the continuing medical issues. Most things in life can be replaced or repaired but when a life is lost it's gone for good. We count our blessings every day.

Thanks for the lunch offer! That's very kind. Not sure when or where our paths will cross but I look forward to it!

Mike

Right a hundred year old storied firm ..... sad. I was lamenting this loss with Donna at SOTA last week... bummer

I mean, if Jelco can go under, that says a lot about how this is affecting businesses in this industry. 

@arion please do let me know how I can buy your team lunch :-)))) 

@arion so very sorry for your losses. Our extended family has experienced the same including significant lingering serious medical issues 8 weeks + into infections. Nobody is a number.

in my dealings with manufacturers ( everything from 1 person firm to billion dollar enterprises, supply chains are totally disrupted. I cut my teeth on BOM with a million parts, at delivery ya need em all  as you know. My absolute best wishes to you and your firm !!!

jim

Follow the Leader.....

As a small manufacturer I can tell you that this industry is challenging enough in good times. No company is an island and we all rely on vendors. Sometimes it's small parts other times it can be raw materials. Many of these vendors have vendors. I know that some of our vendors are running short staff. Supply chain management, no matter how small a company, is a big part of manufacturing. This pandemic has disrupted our usual flow in many unforeseen ways.

ARC is a great company with lots of depth. No doubt they are readjusting to the new challenges we all now face. They may be facing shipping delays for their tubes. Customer service is one of the reasons they have been successful. Be patient, they are doing their best. You will get them.

Miller, I have lost two family members and have had several family and friends sickened by Covid 19. I am very happy for you to be able to reduce lives to numbers. Your compassion for human life is, well ......

Based on what other people have written across his forearm, there's a significant delay in most businesses with close quarters Warehouse or manufacturing layouts.

China is a top manufacturer of  vacuum tubes.  Also Russia and some Eastern European Countries.   Pandemic and trade wars could have an effect on prices and availability.  

Others might be able to provide more info on the topic.

Your local ARC dealer is probably in touch - thanks for posting about tubes - gives me energy to reach out and buy my local ARC guy lunch !!!!

Egocentrism is another pandemic spreading rampantly everywhere these days.

MC give it a rest. Today we will top 100K deaths out of 1.7+million in the US who have had the virus. 2 close friends of mine died from this horrible illness. One of them was 55 and the other was 43. They were NOT in their 80’s. Take your conspiracy theory’s over to Briebart News. They will be happy to listen to all your conspiracy BS.

@yabe1951



No need to apologize, you didn’t do anything to attract that type of response.  Sometimes people wake up angry. They may even do so for valid reasons that are only valid to them. Alot of people are scared due to current events while others either enjoy or can’t help being scared and are simply looking for events to validate their feelings. Human nature that most are able to overcome.

The good news is ARC does a terrific job with their tubes and when yours arrive, they will be terrific. All the best and peace.

I had no intention to start a political debate. Sorry for that, but just a sincere concern for the people who support products that I use...  

I’ve been noting unusually long delays on various orders myself - but everything eventually gets to me. This is simply how things are right now so be patient. Political views aside I have been buying some gear myself the past 3 months particularly in support of the smaller US-based shops. They definitely need the business and folks need a paycheck. A pair of "Brooklyn-made" Devore speakers are in process right now ;-) No geography hit harder in the US.

I understand what @ebm is saying, yes, the world economy is going through some interesting times. I would submit though that it is a great time to buy something if you are in the market. While there can be some deals it is important for commerce to get it going again. Small business needs the business, people need to work, its all interconnected. I have made a few sizeable purchases and no hiccups.