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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,934 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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czarivey
5,761 posts
 
cleeds
No bashing my friend. I call it get the bang strategy! 
Got around servicing SP-3(great preamp used to be affordable!) myself with no help of ARC. Vinyl engine did it all with schematics and circuit elements IDs. Chris from partsconnexion(Sonic Frontiers) was also very helpful.
If you send unit to ARC to repair -- they'll be happy and friendly, but if you're asking questions and parts they won't pick up phone. Same thing happened to VTL and especially Accuphase of US(worst s-holes on the planet!). I totally understand get the bang strategy in details: if you really want to bang someone ye gotta be very nice and polite. Listen to all these commercials on TeeVee and learn...
Sorry but no need for their 'friendly brainwash' -- savvy myself and ain't their 'female dog'. Serviced legendary PH1, PH3s -- great units(used to be affordable), and happy to say no need any ARC help at any time.

larryi
3,790 posts
 
In the US, interest in audio is waning and this would include both the high end and lower-priced markets.  This is NOT the case in Asia where new money is being made.  In particular, the ultra high-end market is doing quite well in Asia.

Supposedly, Audio Note (uk) sells more of their top end stuff in Vietnam than they do in the US.  I suspect that the Asian consumer is quite different from US buyers. There, a purchase is treated more like an investment--the buyer intends on holding on to the product for a very long time and high quality is important. The item will NOT be replaced in a few years. Brands, like Audio Note, are favored because the manufacturer DOES not come out with new upgraded versions after a short time period which means that the purchase holds its value.  

I don't think that Audio Research fits this model well; they fairly frequently upgrade their gear.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Asian Markets are stronger because serious music is FAR more popular in Asia than USA . Percentage of Japanese who listen to Classical Music
is 4 times what it is in USA . 
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