Welcome to the world of high end audio. High end cars, high end watches, etc.
1) when spending money, it is the responsibility of the buyer to do their homework and know that you get what you pay for and the more research and testing you do the safer you are.
2) typically (not always), expensive equipment, especially equipment that is highly technical and delicate, require more high end maintenance and it more costly to maintain.
As an Electrical Engineer, I can tell you that no matter the manufacturer, parts fail. Deal with it.
Same with cars. Parts fail. There is no such thing as a 100% reliable anything.
I believe in this case, the item was purchased used, without warranty. That, to me means that you really don't know how the item was treated or used in the past. It is like buying a really nice fast expensive car with very low miles. You might think you are getting a real bargain, only to realize latter that the first owner really dogged that car. Raced it, etc. So, just because it has "low miles" doesn't mean it wasn't abused.
Audio Research, like some other manufacturers makes some high quality equipment. That does not mean they won't fail at some time. Remember, Audio Research does not make the tubes. they can test them till the cows come home and evaluate the tubes to death, but since they don't make them, it can't be totally their fault if a tube fails prematurely. That is why there is a warranty period.
Audio Research will repair all the equipment that they have made from day one, with exception of maybe one or two where parts are no longer available or where they don't have the parts in stock anymore and they are no longer available.
Airplane manufacturers build the planes. They recommend engines for the buyers. If the buyer choses to purchase and have installed other engines contrary to the plane manufacturer's recommendation, is it the plane manufacturer's fault if the engine fails?
Sorry for the lengthy rant, but, I have seen numerous posts negative to Audio Research and they all end with it really not being Audio Research's fault. One was the fault of the distributor. This one could be the previous owner's lack of proper use.
but, my ultimate test, knowing that stuff happens and things break no matter how well designed, it when I send it back to the manufacturer for repair. How is the repair work? Does the unit work well now? if so, that is all I care about.
but, for people to think that things won't fail at one time or another, or for them to be angry or disappointed when it does occur, it really not realistic or reasonable. This is why proper maintenance and servicing is so important. It helps prevent failure.
most people wait till something fails. not cool.
Primaluna may make some good equipment. I don't know. However, how would you feel if you purchased a Primaluna piece used and it failed? Is that Primaluna's fault? maybe not.
I'm at the point where I really want to buy from manufacturer's with good track records related to repairs. Martin Logan still makes panels for much earlier speaker models. Audio Research will repair just about every piece they have made. Same is true for Atmosphere and some others.
Take it slow, enjoy the music
