Audio Research in Receivership.

As just one example, my Ref 150 SE which I purchased new in 2017 has a design problem with in-rush current on start-up. It is not a question of if, but when, as to the input fuse blowing and taking the board out with it. The successor 160M, 160S, and 80S implemented a relay-circuit with soft-start.

@fsonicsmith1 There is an inexpensive device called a current inrush limiter that is a kind of thermister. Any technician can install one in minutes. We've been using them for decades. When cold it has a higher resistance; when you turn the amp on, the current thru it causes the resistance to drop as it heats. Very simple and reliable.

I think you are right about the KT150. IMO if you're going to use an amp using hi powered pentode power tubes, the KT88 is still the best option- there are good quality KT88s available from JJ.

Dealers were notified last week.  Most companies fail because of sales. How many units do you think they were selling?  The high end market as we know it is almost completely gone. Counterpoint sold 10,000 units and failed.  Look at the prices of some equipment compared to upgrading those units. Much better to upgrade then to buy new.  That's why we do repairs and upgrades and modifications. The values may drop but the units can be repaired.  Another company may buy them but there is no guarantee they will continue on especially with passion.

There is no guarantee of anything....

The high end market as we know it is almost completely gone.

Say what? Based on reports from the shows, it seems that "high-end" is carrying much of the load. And that would be consistent with broader economy, in which the middle-class is being killed (yet again), while the rich continue benefit from inflated assets.

Looking at the creditor list, like many on this forum, I know several of these people/companies. Some come as a surprise, some not so much. Nonetheless, the one’s that come as a surprise to me are not one’s that most would think would ever be a creditor of ARC.