This is a really interesting discussion. I am in Minnesota, so ARC is a local company. They are well represented in the area by some big dealers. I’ve heard so many good things about the sound quality, but haven’t really auditioned them due to the cost.
So, this discussion is an eye opener. I’m really surprised how many have commented that the gear is unreliable (stated in different ways above, but still meaning unreliable). It sounds like ARC is hard on tubes, and when tubes fail, it causes other things to break, and then requires it to be sent back to ARC, or taken to a repair shop. I cannot believe that a tube failing means you need service! And, even more strange to me is that so many people say these issues are "normal" and seemingly acceptable in very expensive equipment. I don’t agree, no matter how good it sounds.
I had a PrimaLuna Dialogue One for about five years. In that time, it never had a reason to go back to the shop. I did have a few tubes wear out. For example, some NOS 12AU7 that didn’t last very long. When it happened, I heard something odd in the speaker, the unit shut down, and I was able to test and replace the bad tubes. No problem after replacing tubes. I’d have been pissed if I had to send it back for that reason.
Now, I have a PL Dialogue Premium HP. I love it. It’s so very flexible, easy to swap tubes, rock solid in terms of performance and build quality. I don’t want to jinx it, but I have no reason to think I’d ever take it back for repairs. In my mind, I spent a lot of money... $4k is nothing to sneeze at. But, I got a ton of quality and good value.
Just within the past few days, a friend was here and heard my system for the first time. We weren’t "listening" to music... we were hanging out playing pool. After a short while, she said, "I’m coming back next week, and you are taking me shopping to get ... THAT. It’s awesome!". To me, that’s enough said right there.
I could easily have the ARC equipment, but I’d have paid more. And, I’d be worried that if something goes wrong, I’d be driving it over to Plymouth MN for repair. Plus, they only suggest their own tubes, at twice the cost of everyone else. I may get a bit better sound quality, but realistically, how good can it get? I love my PrimaLuna! I’ve upgraded on the PL path, and would have no qualms about buying it again. Plus, PL is so easy on tubes (they last) and it’s easy to roll tubes. I don’t see a reason to take the chance on the ARC unless it’s truly a night and day difference in sound quality, and the higher cost doesn’t matter to your budget.
So, this discussion is an eye opener. I’m really surprised how many have commented that the gear is unreliable (stated in different ways above, but still meaning unreliable). It sounds like ARC is hard on tubes, and when tubes fail, it causes other things to break, and then requires it to be sent back to ARC, or taken to a repair shop. I cannot believe that a tube failing means you need service! And, even more strange to me is that so many people say these issues are "normal" and seemingly acceptable in very expensive equipment. I don’t agree, no matter how good it sounds.
I had a PrimaLuna Dialogue One for about five years. In that time, it never had a reason to go back to the shop. I did have a few tubes wear out. For example, some NOS 12AU7 that didn’t last very long. When it happened, I heard something odd in the speaker, the unit shut down, and I was able to test and replace the bad tubes. No problem after replacing tubes. I’d have been pissed if I had to send it back for that reason.
Now, I have a PL Dialogue Premium HP. I love it. It’s so very flexible, easy to swap tubes, rock solid in terms of performance and build quality. I don’t want to jinx it, but I have no reason to think I’d ever take it back for repairs. In my mind, I spent a lot of money... $4k is nothing to sneeze at. But, I got a ton of quality and good value.
Just within the past few days, a friend was here and heard my system for the first time. We weren’t "listening" to music... we were hanging out playing pool. After a short while, she said, "I’m coming back next week, and you are taking me shopping to get ... THAT. It’s awesome!". To me, that’s enough said right there.
I could easily have the ARC equipment, but I’d have paid more. And, I’d be worried that if something goes wrong, I’d be driving it over to Plymouth MN for repair. Plus, they only suggest their own tubes, at twice the cost of everyone else. I may get a bit better sound quality, but realistically, how good can it get? I love my PrimaLuna! I’ve upgraded on the PL path, and would have no qualms about buying it again. Plus, PL is so easy on tubes (they last) and it’s easy to roll tubes. I don’t see a reason to take the chance on the ARC unless it’s truly a night and day difference in sound quality, and the higher cost doesn’t matter to your budget.
