Hi cleeds,
If this is true, then ARC is to be applauded for having circuit board inventory on hand for 40+ year old preamps. As I mentioned above, I have no way of fact checking your comments which are in direct opposition to perfectpathtech's comments:
What can't be debated is the availability of wire to repair for example, an 80 year old Western Electric amplifier. I'm only advocating informed decision making during the purchase process, as we all get to vote with our checkbook. For me (obviously, others may differ), I'm a big fan of non-disposable technology where possible. I don't like to see products rendered irreparable and in a landfill if at all possible.
I need to clarify my earlier comment regarding circuit board vs. traditional construction techniques in order to be fair about this. Taking first world labor rates into consideration, I'd never expect a product retailing at $4,000 (for example) to employ these traditional techniques. An example of a product using circuit boards which I heartily recommend is the Herron VTPH-2 phono stage. It's an absolute steal at its price point (disclaimer: I sell these phono stages, so take this comment for what it's worth).
Once a product surpasses the 5-figure price point, I think construction methods are one element of many which should be factored into the purchase decision.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design
thom_mackrisTake a Thöress phono stage and an ARC phono stage to your most highly recommended tube amp technician and ask them which they’d prefer to service. One of these products will outlive its maker in terms of serviceability and the other one won’t.@cleeds wrote:
There’s really nothing to argue about here, because Audio Research products have already outlived their maker. ARC founder William Z. Johnson died six years ago, yet ARC will still service his SP-1 preamplifier, which was introduced in 1970.
The few ARC products that the company can’t fully support are CD players, where parts for the mechanisms are no longer available. All of its amplifiers and preamplifiers can be serviced to original factory spec, or better. Please feel free to verify this with ARC directly or any ARC authorized dealer.
ARC service is legendary. That’s part of the reason why the products retain their value on the used market so well.
Thom, I understand that you don’t care for electronics that rely on circuit boards, and you’re certainly entitled to your preference. But to extend that preference to conclude that ARC products aren’t serviceable flies in the face of the facts.
If this is true, then ARC is to be applauded for having circuit board inventory on hand for 40+ year old preamps. As I mentioned above, I have no way of fact checking your comments which are in direct opposition to perfectpathtech's comments:
perfectpathtech wrote:
Tonykay- I sold my Classic 120’s 3 years ago after owning them for 7
Like yourself saved a long time to buy a used pair. The same mono blew up 3 times! Dumped them as-is. Sad part is gent I sold them to couldn’t repair it, he sent it to ARC, and they said it was irreparable!
When Bill Johnson passed and the company sold, first thing they did was throw away their vast parts supply for all previous products! Mr Johnson has to be rolling in his grave!
What can't be debated is the availability of wire to repair for example, an 80 year old Western Electric amplifier. I'm only advocating informed decision making during the purchase process, as we all get to vote with our checkbook. For me (obviously, others may differ), I'm a big fan of non-disposable technology where possible. I don't like to see products rendered irreparable and in a landfill if at all possible.
I need to clarify my earlier comment regarding circuit board vs. traditional construction techniques in order to be fair about this. Taking first world labor rates into consideration, I'd never expect a product retailing at $4,000 (for example) to employ these traditional techniques. An example of a product using circuit boards which I heartily recommend is the Herron VTPH-2 phono stage. It's an absolute steal at its price point (disclaimer: I sell these phono stages, so take this comment for what it's worth).
Once a product surpasses the 5-figure price point, I think construction methods are one element of many which should be factored into the purchase decision.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design