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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
22,964 posts
 
Yes but the very rich get represented best except at election time, no matter who gets elected. its just a matter of which ones more than others. Dog eat dog.

Good news is anyone can become as rich as they want. It takes hard work smarts and determination no matter what. Probably a fair share of ego and a often a little luck as well.. Survival of the fittest. It just ain’t fair.   Who made up these rules?   Happened well before the Constitution took its stand after nasty England treated us unfairly (like Megyn treated poor Donald and the others more recently).    


schubert
7,386 posts
 
Any social system goes like this, things go up the system till the person or persons who have the power exercise it .
Be it religion ,kings,queens, bank, county sheriff, elected official ,the Fed, a dictator whatever . All else is nonsense .
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,964 posts
 
Well sounds like Audio research brand is taking it on the chin at this point. 

What goes up must come down I guess.

Cheers!
taters
1,149 posts
 
It sure sounds that way Mapman.

jhconnor's avatar
jhconnor
71 posts
 
You are comparing the price of a REF-3 to the REF-30? Ha ... that's not a fair comparison. The 2008 price of a REF-3 needs to be compared to the price of a new REF-6.

REF-3 ... $10,000.
REF-6 ... $14,000.

I totally agree. A better comparison to the Ref 10 would be the Ref Anniversary preamp, which came out in 2010 for $25,000. 
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