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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
taters
1,149 posts
 
Lalitk,

Why would ARC let the dealer make more profit on a reference piece of 30k than they do. The dealers buy at 40 percent of the retail price.
So if the retail is 30k and the dealer get a 40 percent discount after that there cost would be 18k. So on a 30k sale the dealer would make 12k. And then you said ARC produces the piece for 12k. If your numbers are correct the dealer would make twice the profits on the piece than the manufacturer. It doesn't work that way. If the dealer is making 12k on the piece rest assured the manufacturer is making just as much or more. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,434 posts
 
taters...you're misinformed here.  I say it from my experience of buying brand new high end components and cables in last 10 plus years.  The mark-ups in high end audio are just ridiculous.  

I am am not here to change the ways of the world, just don't agree with such 'fat' mark-ups.  

In 

taters
1,149 posts
 
Lalitk,

There must be a miscommunication between us. I agree with you.

stickman451
553 posts
 
Interesting points and views.  All that I can say is that I liked ARC MUCH more when it was a stand alone company, designing and selling great audio electronics for music lovers. 

Why is it a good idea to have an Italian based corporation owning lots of American audio companies?  Answer is, It's NOT a good idea and all the audiophiles will suffer for it.  Too bad and too sad.

taters
1,149 posts
 
I think it's sad that they couldn't find a buyer in the United States to take over the company. Sometimes when the owner of a company dies his family or people that work for the company take it over. Unfortunately that wasn't the case with ARC.

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