Why are People Dumping their Audio Research Gear and What Does it Say about them?

I love my ARC REF6, and wouldn't sell it even if ARC closed their doors.  I'd hold onto it until it died.  Of course, sometimes I wish that I had gotten a solid state pre, just so I didn't have to be concerned about tube reliability, but it would have to sound better than my REF6, and I am not sure what that pre would be or how much it would be.  But ARC is too good a company with excellent reputation and brand recognition to let fade away.  The article on TrackingAngle.com is very positive news.

Conrad Johnson went through the same thing several years back. I suspect the same will happen with Audio Research.  The company will be bought out and people will still be able to get them. There are electronics Engineers, technicians capable are all over the United States that can repair them.  I would not run away so fast. You might be able to get a real deal on a fine gear made to last a lifetime. 

How do you know that people are dumping their gear?

After turning on the REF6SE I have to decide whether to fire up the pair of VT-150 SEs (1995, GE6550s, Telefunken E88CCs) or the pair of REF160M MKIIs (2023 KT150s, 6H30s). Both designs have spectacular sound quality. Both very well built. 

For me it started with the SP3a and a D76 (1975).

Reliable sources state that on Monday, the new owner(s) will be announced. Meanwhile, business as usual.