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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
larryi
3,970 posts
 
I don't know if WoM, or perhaps some predecessor, is responsible for hollowing out the McIntosh brand, but, I hope the same fate does not await the other brands under their roof.  Mac now employs extremely shoddy manufacturing processes and use ultra cheap parts in at least some of their gear.  

Google the television show "How it is Made" for the episode on the manufacture of the current 275 tube amp; if you know what you are looking at, it is a pretty sad story.  They no longer hand wind the output transformers, interleave the windings and put insulation between the layers of winding; a machine winds multiple transformer cores in a matter of seconds.  The wiring to both the input jacks and to the speaker binding posts does not really exist--rather, a printed circuit board is used and the coupling is done by pressing the circuit board into place.  I have not seen anything this shoddy anywhere else.  It is unbelievably cynical of the WoM folks to allow the filming of this manufacturing process--it is free advertising and most viewers won't even recognize the travesty being committed.  
taters
1,149 posts
 
I also saw that show and I was surprised how shoddy the amp was put together. If I didn't know better I would have thought it was made in China. 

aolmrd1241
1,039 posts
 
Here comes the made in China bashing again.The Chinese people have been producing high quality products...for thousands of years. They have been innovators in just about everything ever produced throughout history since the dawn of man. Pick up a book or use your google search engine and look into the Chinese culture,past and present...you may be amazed at their accomplishments.
larryi
3,970 posts
 
I agree that China is a leader in producing high quality products.  I have seen many examples of well-made Chinese audio gear.  They also make a lot of really cheaply-made gear, but, unlike the Mac stuff, it sells for a really low price.  In other words, with cheap Chinese gear, one gets a lot of value FOR THE MONEY, something that is NOT the case when one pays BIG bucks for shoddy gear.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
There is nothing made or no job done that the Asian tigers can not make,or do, as well or better than anyone in the world .

jafreeman , you hit the proverbial nail on the head with your great post ! 
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