Why are People Dumping their Audio Research Gear and What Does it Say about them?


Title says it all. Either you like it and it sounds good or not. What does it say about dealers that are dumping their demos? 

Ag insider logo xs@2xstephens770

I personally am not seeing a lot of ARC product showing up for sale. I do not think anybody who owns and sells it are dumping the brand. That does not mean there are not issues. One of my Hi-Fi haunts did stop selling the product. Reasons given was lack of recognition of who they are, compounded by it being too expensive. So, people in that seller’s area passed on it and bought something from McIntosh instead. The second is the modern tube sound. 160m is an amp that has pristine voicing, a lot of people found it to be too analytical and sterile. I think that has been addressed with the new 160m mkII. The stereo 160 and 80 are reported to be more natural and organic sounding.

ARC has never been a company that designs their amps to be velvety and lush. Those that are looking for that I think are investing into something different. IMHO, I think they gone a little too far with emulating the accuracy of a solid-state amps, would like to see them allow a little romance back into their house sound. Like I remember the earlier models had. What is interesting is that they are not the only historic brand that does this. The current version of McIntosh 275 does not sound like the ones that were first released. They too are more accurate sounding versus sweet.

Dump away! I’ll happily buy any ARC gear for $1 or maybe more, subject to negotiation. 

I agree with @ideal8592   I will be pleased to take any ARC off of any of you if you want to dump it in my lap.  

From what I have seen, the prices are holding pretty well--at least they are mostly above what I can afford.  I did see a VT-100 up the road from me that is reasonable...I will give the owner a call.

Anyone wants to "dump" a pair of 610's or 750's on me for a few bucks, or a working D-150, give me a shout!

Cheers!

After being seriously into McIntosh & Gryphon gear, I was absolutely blown away by a REF160s so I bought it and added a REF 6SE. Never going back. 
 

Good Luck ARC….!