I hear you samzx12. I am equally pissed at the new owners of Thiel and hope they fail miserably. But Thiel sold, sure they had to under the circumstances, and the new owners have the right to do as they please. Just wish they would change the name to "Thiel you wish."
Audio Research discontinuing lower lines components?
I have looked at several components in Audio Research's line and they are discontinuing the LS17-se, PH8, and PH6. They discontinued the DAC 8. I know there is a new Ref 6 to replace the Ref 5se and their is a new Ref Phono 3 to replace the Ref Phone 2se coming out. I talked to my dealer and he stated that Audio Research seems to be making their components look more McIntosh like in the Galeo series.
The dealer stated their isn't going to be anything that he has heard that will replace the other lines at this point and that AR will be starting at the LS-27, which is $7500 for preamps. The Ref 75se is the beginning of the line for Amps, which I know, but man are they going the Mac route with prices, nothing to replace the DAC 8 and the other DAC in the line is $11,000, what's up with this, have you guys heard anything more.
The starting point for AR equipment is getting pretty high and the only way a newer person without means will be able to afford it will be to buy use, which could send the used prices up if there isn't anything else in the line. What do you guys think and what have you heard?
The dealer stated their isn't going to be anything that he has heard that will replace the other lines at this point and that AR will be starting at the LS-27, which is $7500 for preamps. The Ref 75se is the beginning of the line for Amps, which I know, but man are they going the Mac route with prices, nothing to replace the DAC 8 and the other DAC in the line is $11,000, what's up with this, have you guys heard anything more.
The starting point for AR equipment is getting pretty high and the only way a newer person without means will be able to afford it will be to buy use, which could send the used prices up if there isn't anything else in the line. What do you guys think and what have you heard?
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They are also discontinuing the DS amplifiers, like the DS450 as well. I'm glad that I have the, LS17se, DAC 8, PH8, CD2 and the Vt 100 MKIII, especially at the prices I got them for, not retail at all. There is going to be a mark up of the used gear, because there will be a high demand for it. If you look at McIntosh, their used gear is priced very high and they usually get what they are asking for it. Finesounds is pricing us out, wow!!! I can see Sumiko, which is Pro-ject brand, which is a lower end brand for Fine Sounds going up in price or it becoming the lower brand and McIntosh and AR becoming top tier. |
Buy a nice silk smoking jacket and the most expensive meerschaum you can locate, then head for downtown New York, to visit the World of McIntosh(Fine Sounds new, multi-million Dollar, sales venue). They have plans to open more WOM venues in Berlin, Milan and Tokyo. You’ll have the privilege of financing their extremely high-dollar real-estate investments, with every equipment purchase. Perhaps they’ll even allow you to use the indoor pool and visit the roof-top garden, that you’ve paid for. (http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Brand/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsID=181&Block=1) |
Just my opinion, but I feel that the tone of the complaints here are really unfair and unfounded. AR is a company just like any other. They consider themselves to be a "high end" audio company and therefore, they probably realized that the other equipment cannot compete price wise with like priced competition in the lower priced categories. So, I believe that they made a business decision (which I don't agree with) to eliminate the lower priced equipment. That's their choice. I don't agree with the decision and I'm sure that many within AR didn't agree with that decision. But, as you all know, you can voice your opinion to upper management, but after you do and management makes it decision, you have two choices. 1) move on with the knowledge that you expressed yourself or 2) move on to another company. We will see if this decision isn't the start of the downfall of AR or if it is a sound business decision. I don't think this was an internal AR decision but a parent company business decision. Nothing wrong with the used equipment market. Apparently, AR like many other companies come out with new or upgraded equipment every four years or so. So the used market is pretty good. You can now find used REF3s, REF5s or REF5SEs, Ph6, etc. for good prices and they are still equal to or better than most equipment out there. REF3s are a steal right now on the used market. The DAC8 is still one of the best DACs out there, despite that awful review from a top magazine a few years ago. I compared that DAC with many other top DACS and it was equal to or better than every one of them. So, I realized that some reviewers are really biased and may be in the pocket of other competitors. Anyway, please tone down the AR and McIntosh bashing. Really good equipment that puts good hard working people to work. enjoy |
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