Audio Research filing for bankruptcy?

@roxy54    I'm not sure ARC prices have moved ahead by much more than inflation.

I recall the SP10 was $4,000 when launched around 1980.  The Ref 6 is currently around $17,000.

$100 in 1980 is $360 now, so the Ref 6 ought to be $14,400, so not much less than its current $17,000 price.

Most people would say the Ref 6 is a better amp, but I can listen to my SP10 and there is much less difference than you might think.  I have to listen on my second system as my main system is balanced from stylus to power output.  The SP10 is definitely warmer, but then some who favour tube amps also favour 'warmth'.

Plus, IIRC, my SP10 had a damn good phono stage. 😉  Ref 10 does not.

IMHO, ARC gear went through the roof, price wise.

I've never owned ARC, but watching it through the years, one thing I was not a fan of was all the continuous streams of incremental product improvements.

The latest and greatness never seemed to be the latest and greatest for very long. Guess they have to keep customers returning to the well...

Better get service manuals and schematics just in case, you never know.