For me at least, the high end is about passion and vision by a designer with a mission, or a small committed group (cottage industry? even the "big" ones are pretty small). No matter what they say, I doubt ARC will ever be the same again (for good or bad). I know I won't feel the same about them; which does not mean they won't be terribly successful.
audio research sells out good or bad ?
Audio reserach sells out to Quadrivio SGR investment company after 38 years ,the same company who aquired sonus faber.I do wonder if any company can sustain the type of personel products and direction when the boys on top are watching out for the bottom line.I am not saying that this is a bad thing only saying that 2 channel is made up of niche players and to build a companys from a 10 mio business to 50 mio you would think things would have to change. They are a great company with a great following and hope they are around for another 38 years.