Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amp

It may seem like a lot but HiFi is a very small community.   A lot of these products are built in very small numbers. 

As an example I had an early  Zesto preamp.   It was SN 106.    From what I can see they started at 101 and built that model up to SN 159.  Less than 60 units.  Over two or three years of production. 

Another good example is my Quicksilver Headphone Amp.  Early pics show the press release unit is serial #6.  Mine is #18.    Its been in production 4 years and someone here or SHF posted their new QS amp a few weeks ago and it was SN 65 or something like that.  Super small runs.  

I was in this biz around 20 years ago.  When we launched a new product it would have a SN that would give the illusion that many more were built than the one you just received.     You didn't get SN 000023 ,  you got  SN 5101023 ....   it was number 23 off the line but you think there were hundreds or thousands built before it. 

My CD transport is SN x00001 , so maybe I did get the first one, but even that model is a super small run

DAC is SN 00141,  again tiny production numbers.  

Integrated amp. SN 00077

Some of these products we buy as audiophools get tons of press, thread discussions,  etc yet there are only a few hundred examples built.   

To anyone used to biasing their tube amps or auto bias (together encompassing virtually all semi modern tube amps), having to take it to someone else for biasing can almost be considered a design flaw.  What was ARC thinking back then?

I realize ARC uses carefully selected tubes designed to last, but just the same, stuff happens.

Bet you will never see this in an ARC product again.

On the other hand, if you have a good audio store or servicer nearby that you can count on it could be a great deal to pick one up.

I really enjoy my I/50, but I just replaced the left channel 6922EH driver tube. It was probably original, and I bought the amp used (it was used as a demo unit by a reviewer who must have played it). No biasing needed, only the power (6550) tubes need biasing. It is a shame the amp has to be sent somewhere and can’t be modded for user servicability or auto-biasing. I have also a Willsenton R8, KT-88 push-pull integrated, with similar specs, and that unit is set up for user biasing which is not difficult.  I have to wonder whether they will continue the I/50 with a similar integrated offering what are considered improvements to the I/50.