Audio Research Financial Troubles

Funny. You beat me to it. I was gonna post the exact same question. Lots of AR units for sale on CAM right now.

If you’re in need of high quality tube components and there is a lot out there then there are probably good deals to be made. I would look at that as an opportunity. 
ARC has had its ups and downs like everyone else but I don’t see them going anywhere. They make great equipment and it will provide years of enjoyment. I’ve been using my last ARC purchased for 6 years now and have not felt the need nor have I considered replacing it with something else. 
I can see that there may be some people looking to move away from tubes as the prices have risen dramatically over the last few years but when you break it down it’s really not that expensive. I typically try to listen to my gear 3-4 hours a night       (sometimes more). If you break down the cost of eight KT-150 tubes over 18 months it’s still less than some people spend per day on coffee at Starbucks.

@tunehead -- Sorry to appear dumb, but what is CAM?

Fellow members, with the apparent glut of used ARC gear for sale, what would you consider to be the best Tube Phono Preamp "bargain" available?  I recently acquired an ARC SP-17 preamp and McIntosh MC-225, and I've been told the phono preamp in the SP-17 is pretty good.  Do you agree with that statement?  If not, back to my original question -- what is a solid older ARC phono preamp and what is the usual price range?

Thanks in advance!

Allen 

allenf1963,

CAM is Canuck Audio Mart.

Brad