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Is ARC Updating/Discontinuing the DSi200?

Anyone have the lowdown on the ARC DSi200?

I went to the ARC web site, and saw that the DSi200 was included in BOTH the current and discontinued categories.

When I've seen this in other contexts, it meant the manufacturer was depleting current inventory on a model that was going to be either retired or updated.

Is ARC planning on updating their first foray into Class-D SS integrateds, or are they cutting & running?

Asking b/c I was pondering doing an "upgrade" on my Ayre AX-7e to something SS with a bit more juice. My 3 "finalists" are the Arc DSi200, the Pass Int-150, and the Modwright KWI200. If the DSi200 is history, it makes my decision a little bit easier.

Thanks!
courant
courant OP
119 posts
 
Hi,

I'm in Seattle, so between Definitive Audio and Seattle HiFi, I was able to audition both the ARC and the Modwright. Reno HiFi let's you audition Pass Labs, so that might be next.

So yes, I do make a point to audition first. Speaking of which, if you want a good chuckle, pair an Ax-7e with Maggie 1.7s...
dchang1981
66 posts
 
I don't see it on the current integrated amps section, been gone for awhile as far as I remember. Was wondering about the vsi60 as well, seems like dealers are giving a decent discount on that, but the price delta between it and the vsi75 is pretty hefty.
dayglow
1,746 posts
 
I heard an early version of the ARC DSi200 driving a Magnepan 1.7 with an Ayre cdp as the source using all Kimber Kables, no power filtering or conditioning was present. To say I was disappointed is a huge understatement! Might have been the worst sounding $6k amp I have ever heard.
dchang1981
66 posts
 
If you like the way it sounds who the heck cares what some anonymous internet person is telling you. Reading the forums for years ive realized i was taking the advice of people who hyperbolize everything and for some reason others take one opinion on the internet as gospel. The one thing i do appreciate about arc is there support department so i can rest easy for the long term.
bcgator's avatar
bcgator
355 posts
 
The fact that they may be discontinuing it wouldn't discourage me - I go out of my way to look for such opportunities, where things I normally wouldn't be able to afford are marked down dramatically due to dealer liquidation, or model discontinuation, etc. If it sounded great when it was a current model, it'll sound just as good as a retired model, except it'll bring you all that music joy for less money. And not to discount Dayglow's experience - he heard what he heard - but I wouldn't let comments like that discourage me either. Think of how many variables were at play, in that room, with his ears, and that setup. Attributing whatever he heard entirely as the "fault" of the amp is...not something I'd subscribe to. Audio Research makes superb equipment, and their service is excellent - you could do a whole lot worse.
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