Heads Up: ARC is introducing the new SP-20 in Fall


An excerpt from ARCDB web site:

"Tube stereo preamplifier.

"As a result of the ever-increasing demand for a full-function preamplifier with a level of performance substantially above that of the SP17, we are pleased to introduce the striking new SP20 vacuum-tube preamplifier. Influenced by some of our classic groundbreaking SP preamplifiers but with performance that is only achievable by our best LS- and PH-series designs, the SP20 offers inspirational performance combined with real value. ..."

MSRP is $9000 -- a veritable bargain. ;-(
bifwynne
Taters: Thanks for the input, but there is really no way can you buy a Rolex for full retail and sell it immediately afterwards for the same price. Every store has large mark ups on price. some more so than others. Also, Rolex's aren't as collectible as some of the other "high end" watches. They are nice, but really aren't close to being the best. You are paying more for the name. The really question on watches is who made the caliber? However, many high end audio equipment manufactures establish the sales price for all their authorized dealers so that there isn't any competition between dealers. My favorite shop in San Diego, Stereo Design will not sell items via phone or internet new unless you first come into the store. So, most times unless the item is discontinued, you will not be able to negotiate a lower price from authorized dealers legally. Noticed I said "Legally". I have noticed that watch dealers have more leeway on prices. What I don't understand is why manufactures will sometimes not allow warranties to be passed on to another buyer for the used equipment if the equipment was purchased new from an authorized dealer buy the original purchaser. If it was purchased grey market, I can understand this logic. But, if person A, purchased it new from an authorized dealer and it is still under warranty and I buy it from person A, why won't the warranty transfer to me with the remaining time on the warranty? I can't figure this one out.

anyway, If you think Audio Research is priced high, check out Boulder. Wow!

enjoy
Audio Research is great stuff. Even their lest expensive models are very good. If one can afford it, I can can think of worse ways to spend ones money. if something cost a lot of money, it needs to deliver the goods. ARC does.

Boulder, not as sure about that.
AND.......ARC's gears are designed and assembled in the USA unlike some others that are designed in the USA, Canada, France, England and assembled in China.

SO.... we could all petitioned ARC to keep R&D in the USA and have their gear assembled in China, sending more jobs away. If this is what you want, raise your hand folks!!

My 2cents.
Bifwynne, I'm a poor audiophile. When you get tired of the Ref-150 let me know and I'll give you half of retail.Thanks.