Audio Research in Receivership.

I am on my 3rd AR pre amp and have loved all three. I would hate to see them go, but I really can’t imagine that someone wouldn’t come along and save them from total demise. Maybe Fine Sounds will buy them back, I would imagine that it is not lack of sales but mis management that has caused this 

I hope that someone will at the very least take on the service side of their business.

Eventually you run out of super rich folks to buy your stuff, especially with the large amount of boutique brands at their price point. This is just failing to keep up with the changing marketplace. 

Here is a post from someone associated with ARC that was posted on What's Best Forum within the last 45 Minutes. They are presently operating and near a potential new owner agreement according to the below

"Hello, everyone. This is my first post on What's Best because I want you to know what is happening at Audio Research. Some of you know me since I was hire by Bill Johnson at Audio Research in 1989. I left for a few years and returned to ARC in 1996.
We will be posting a statement on the Fans of Audio Research's FB page, and also the company's FB page as this seems the fastest way to get the facts out.
Nathanu's post is correct. What almost no one seems to realize is that Audio Research has been running since the assignment was filed on April 4th, almost four weeks ago. That was a week and a half before AXPONA, where our VP Sales (Allan Haggar) worked with Quintessence Audio (REF10, REFPH10, 160M MkII). We are staffed, with customer service answering the phone, the service department is repairing products, production is building new products, we are receiving parts, our sales department continues to accept orders, and our shipping department is shipping parts and product orders along with service work.
Trent Suggs was relieved of control of Audio Research. We have been working with individuals who want to purchase the company, and I expect that we will have a new owner within the week. There will be continuity as production, engineering, purchasing, service, and critical personnel will remain working for Audio Research. Warren Gehl, too.
I am writing this quickly as there are a lot of things to attend to immediately. Thanks to Mike for sending me this link to this so I could respond."

Personally, I wouldn't trust any Audio Research Exec's claim that it's business as usual as they "attempt" to secure new ownership.  Why take a risk?  There is only a downside for the consumer at this time.  I wish Audio Research all the best.

Unfortunately, I agree with @testpilot 

Anyone who is keen to buy an AR product would be well-advised to wait until the dust settles.