Ralph (Atmasphere), I wonder if the 90 day policy is the result of new ownership? Seems to me that a well thought out product takes time to design, test and roll-out. And a really good product should have staying power with a long shelf life.
For example, my amp, the VS-115, has been in the current line-up since 08 or 09. It's time may be up soon. As an fyi, some dealers and ARC fans previously commented that the VS-115 was nipping at the heals of the "old" Ref 110. I think I'll stick to the VS-115 for a while longer. It's a great amp - a real workhorse.
I also own the Ref CD-8 which was also released in 08 or 09. Just got discontinued for the Ref CD-9, which costs $16K. The CD-9 has flexible input capabilities that I don't care about. I think the DAC may be the same as the CD-8, except ARC told me that its upsampling algorithm is greatly improved and the sound is in "another league" compared to the CD-8. I'm sticking to the CD-8 for now.
As I mentioned above, I'm gonna do the Ref 5 SE upgrade later this month. No surprise, it's also in "another league" compared to the old Ref 5, may 85+% of the Ref 40.
Boy oh boy, I'm concerned that ARC may run out of leagues.
After I waste my dough on the SE upgrade, I'm gonna refocus on buying new CDs and LPs. Maybe a new carty too. Time to start listening to the music again and not the gear.
