Has anybody heard the new Audio Research LS 27?

Lets all keep in mind that we are talking about a company that is highly respected for both its products and customer relations.We're throwing stones at the top of the heap.
If you want to criticize a company for poor business practices,I think ARC is the last place we should start.

Tubegroover, your right ARC resale is among the best in the industry,I just think that some people must be feeling cheated because ARC keeps improving their product line.
To me that criticism makes no sense.

Again, this is utter hogwash..

"But even ARC admits that with a few upgraded parts the SP6 can sound substantially like their current preamp offerings. If that's the case, then the difference between the Ref 3 and the Ref 5 really is very, very small. Whether or not that very, very small difference is worthwhile or valued is a separate question"

If you've heard both the pieces in a system, you would not be making such assertions. Agreed, sometimes with this hobby it can involve diminishing returns, but not in this case. To the OP, the LS 27 settles nicely between the REF3 and the REF5. Do go listen to it if you can. I'm not sure what you've been using or comparison shopping for, but in the $7k range it's a winner.

05-07-11: Onhwy61
An example of a company staying in business by meeting a pre-existing market demand - airlines. Say I want to go to Europe from the U.S., several airline companies are there to meet my need. Essentially airlines replaced cruise ships and at some point in the future some new travel innovation could replace airlines, but until that new method of travel arrives airline company can offer the same old same old.

Airline is a highly regulated limited competition service business ... NOT commodity based. You are comparing apples to oranges. USUALLY customers shop based on schedule and price and not the type of plane.

Knghifi, if I read you correctly you actually agree with some of our description of ARC's business model.

No, you read me INCORRECTLY!

It's just that you see in purely in a positive light

No, It's not positive or negative just reality.

This is exactly what happens when a car manufacturer comes out with a new model every year. That's why some people buy used cars in order for someone else to take the depreciation 'hit'. Are people pissed because once they drive their new car off the lot, it depreciates a few grand? They are not. They realize models change every year. Prices go up and more options and accessories become available for the new model. That's the way it is. The marketing model exists for any electronics product and even cars as stated above. If you don't wish to precipitate in the purchase of new products, try buying something used next time.