Heads Up: ARC is introducing the new SP-20 in Fall


An excerpt from ARCDB web site:

"Tube stereo preamplifier.

"As a result of the ever-increasing demand for a full-function preamplifier with a level of performance substantially above that of the SP17, we are pleased to introduce the striking new SP20 vacuum-tube preamplifier. Influenced by some of our classic groundbreaking SP preamplifiers but with performance that is only achievable by our best LS- and PH-series designs, the SP20 offers inspirational performance combined with real value. ..."

MSRP is $9000 -- a veritable bargain. ;-(
bifwynne
The cost to build an amp or preamp at ARC is nearly irrelevant. Well, the only relevance is that it must be worth it for them to make the investment to design and build them plus support their dealer network. The price is market driven. Take my trusty old SP-15 preamp, for example. It cost $5500 in 1990. Accounting for inflation, that is $10,000 today. Pretty close in cost to todays preamps. Interesting how, unlike TVs and appliances, high end luxury items seem to keep pace with the Cost of Living Index.
Oh, I don't know Tonywinsc, go the a really high end appliance dealer and check out what the prices are for the very best. They aren't close to the stuff sold by Best Buy. Find the short list of the very best TVs made. You will be surprised at the costs. Economics is economics. R&D, Engineering, Construction, parts, Labor, overhead and also what market the equipment is geared for are all a part of the price.

enjoy
ARC starts with margin expectations like any company still in business. Sometimes that expectation is too high and the pipeline either doesn't get filled or clogs up. That's the danger with the high end electronic bus. you can only introduce a product once, it's not like the CPG business where you can drop price to move product and still stay credible.
I respectfully disagree. If the unit retails for 13k there cost is 25% of retail. Otherwise there cost is 3250.00.