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Audio Research discontinuing lower lines components?

I have looked at several components in Audio Research's line and they are discontinuing the LS17-se, PH8, and PH6.  They discontinued the DAC 8.  I know there is a new Ref 6 to replace the Ref 5se and their is a new Ref Phono 3 to replace the Ref Phone 2se coming out.  I talked to my dealer and he stated that Audio Research seems to be making their components look more McIntosh like in the Galeo series. 

The dealer stated their isn't going to be anything that he has heard that will replace the other lines at this point and that AR will be starting at the LS-27, which is $7500 for preamps.  The Ref 75se is the beginning of the line for Amps, which I know, but man are they going the Mac route with prices, nothing to replace the DAC 8 and the other DAC in the line is $11,000, what's up with this, have you guys heard anything more. 

The starting point for AR equipment is getting pretty high and the only way a newer person without means will be able to afford it will be to buy use, which could send the used prices up if there isn't anything else in the line.  What do you guys think and what have you heard?
sid1
pops
2,278 posts
 
Great points jmcgrogan2 - good job expressing economics.  I am ready for a revolt!  

The other issue for a company like ARC is the ceiling they reach when economies of scale have run out.  The necessary step to keep growing and making money is to reinvent, innovate, and have a long term growth plan.  That takes cash and upfront investment.  Don't forget about rising costs Jmcgrogan mentioned because that is reality!  So now for a fictitious example, maybe they were spending 31 cents on every dollar they made,  At some point to maintain that ratio or improve it, again, you need a plan.  You sure as hell cannot survive if it goes the other way.

 Now I could be wrong about ARC reaching their ceiling but when your brand is is global with a  good distribution network there are not a lot of gaps to fill.  Time to sell to new owners who have a strat plan and rarely if ever is it business as usual.  My favorite audio company Thiel is another example.  But they are going the other way, value versus premium.  

Interesting information from Elberoth.... 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
No biggie. They've also become less reliable, less helpful and certainly less useful when it comes to servicing discontinued units. 
Figure they will become same level brain-washers as other companies. They're not alone and there will be certainly more. 
EBM, are you ready for nu ARC REF?
cleeds
6,203 posts
 
czarivey2,343 posts"They've also become less reliable, less helpful and certainly less useful when it comes to servicing discontinued units. "

I haven't found this to be true at all, either with new units or older ones. Do you have any actual experience that you can cite, or is this just the usual ARC-bashing that's so common here?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I haven't found this to be true at all, either with new units or older ones. Do you have any actual experience that you can cite, or is this just the usual ARC-bashing that's so common here?
What do you think??   Not true from my ACTUAL experience.


mapman's avatar
mapman
22,880 posts
 
Its not hard to get good sound these days. If you are targeting high end, whatever that means, you probably have to be pricey and build Lamborghinis. But how many people really want or need a Lamborghini? Gotta make your money somehow.

Really sorry to hear that this has affected one off my favorites  ARC to such an extent though. Should have left good enough alone IMHO. But that ain’t the way things go  these days though.

Even one of my other favorites, good old blue collar OHM has raised prices considerably in recent years, at least for new stuff, but they also provide many ways to get the same quality sound for less via upgrades, trade-ins, refurbs, sales etc.     Gotta look out for your customers always.  That's the main thing.


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