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Audio Research is launching new products, "The Foundation Series"

I went to my local dealer today and found out that Audio Research will be launching new products, the LS28 preamp, the DAC 9, and the PH9. My dealer stated he believes the prices will be $7,500 a piece, but he stated don’t quote him on that. This stuff will be the replacement for my stuff, which is the Dac 8, and PH8. If this is so I will be getting the LS27 for as cheap as I can, I have the LS17se. I did some research on the internet and found the following : https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-introduces-foundation-series/
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/audio-research-announces-foundation-series#tSjeTU0bDcd4p4pu.97

Maybe they aren’t leaving us high and dry as I first thought and was led to believe, but if $7,500 will be the price it will still price some out, but it won’t be horrible as I was first led to believe, stay tuned on this one. This stuff looks like the Ref 6 stuff, but isn’t and I was told Audio Research is looking to do everything in this new look to stay uniform. The dealer stated he couldn’t tell me if and when the LS27 would be discontinued, but my guess and it’s only my guess is it probably will be.
sid1
kellydc3's avatar
kellydc3
5 posts
 
I cut my teeth in audio with the man who is now AR's CTO. I can tell you that there is not anyone I know of that has higher engineering and sonic standards. Scary set of ears on him too.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Wow i just popped a cookie!!!
tubes444
91 posts
 

Long time ARC user. BUTT! . With who now owns them.

BIG CORPS buy's out little ones with a very good brand history

Some times Rapes the brand with less than the VERY BEST inside GUTS in new gear. It's called bottom line.

 Get back there investment QUICK!! AT THE EXPENSE of the brand True believers.

Myself I.would hold off pulling the trigger. And not be the first in LINE.

Reason's:

Fact that some of the older models in there line out PERFORM of that

offered with- in the last couple of YEARS..

Just my thoughts  Tubes444

rspyder
99 posts
 
I saw these new ARC components at the Munich High End Show and they certainly don't look like the new Asian owners have moved the company off its historical commitment to high quality components. Nice quality external panels and chassis', thoughtful and functional esthetics and familar intertnals buliding on the Ref 5 and 10.  However, never hurts to wait for the intial reviews.
jhconnor's avatar
jhconnor
69 posts
 
... and sometimes the BIG CORPS actually have more resources to put towards R&D, materials and quality control and actually deliver a superior product.

If the GS 150, and Ref Phono 3 are any indication of ARC’s focus on the "bottom line" I’d be jockeying for a position at the front of the line. I find their latest offerings to be outstanding. Over the last several years ARC has exhibited a commitment to allowing the advancements in their "ultra-high-end" gear to trickle down into the rest of the line which has resulted in remarkable performance in many of their latest product offerings. I couldn’t be more pleased.

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