2. amps-preamps
  3. 129105-330

ARC Ref 5se inferior to LS28?

This is what a big dealer told me the other day. Dealer speak or right on the money? Would very much like to hear opinions of the many knowledgeable ARC users on Audiogon. Thanks

4425
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Some people really have a stone in their shoe regarding Audio Research.
NOT bdp24!  LOL!!!

So time to revisit this subject AGAIN?

I have Ref250SE and is one of the best to my ear. When ARC introduces a replacement, it doesn't make it obsolete or diminishes my enthusiasm any less. Depending on the replacement, it's MY choice whether to replace or not. As a customer, I welcome the option for something superior or different.  MY choice!
Anyone who gets on the ARC train is going to be put through this until he jumps off. Why not instead buy from a designer/company who keeps a model in the line for many years, offering occasional upgrades to the basically "correct/finished" circuit?
What if I prefer the SQ and enjoy the train ride? Shouldn't one just buy what sounds best and not with least frequent updates? Totally illogical IMO!   

As a business, I applaud ARC for capitalizing on the customers constantly cycling and the need to have latest and greatest gear. As expected, blame ARC and not accept any personal responsibilities.
wlutke
726 posts
 
I love the ARC new model and upgrade strategy.  I've picked up serious gear at half price from people who had to have the latest and greatest and could afford it.  In my eyes, ARC is the Robin Hood of used audio!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I love the ARC new model and upgrade strategy.  I've picked up serious gear at half price from people who had to have the latest and greatest and could afford it.  In my eyes, ARC is the Robin Hood of used audio!
Excellent perspective.  Glass is not half empty but half full.  Love it!
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
I don't understand how ARC keeps improving their models so often. You would think a model from a few years ago would sound like crap comparatively. But the old models all were the best at one time according to the reviewers. Sounds like a lot of B.S. to me.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,803 posts
 

As my Mama useta say, "Each to her own, said the lady as she kissed the cow". ARC loves their customer base the same way Trump "loves the poorly educated". If the newest ARC pre-amp is sooo much better than the one it's replacing, and that one was sooo much better than the one before it, how bad was the one they sold you three, four, five generations back? And how much have you spent to get where you are now?

What I'm saying is that there are other companies making competitive products that don't suck nearly as much dough out of your wallet, products that haven't needed nearly as many changes to stay competitive as have the ARC's. And better built, ta boot. Talk to any experienced EE tech about the design and build of ARC products, particularly their power amps. Yup, I've said it before. Truth is timeless. I've owned ARC, and I've owned Atma-Sphere. I now own Music Reference. Roger spends years perfecting his designs before bringing them to market, not using his customers as unpaid design consultants.

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