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"All of these pieces, as well as soon to be introduced stereo amplifier, will be priced at $7500 (ish) according to an ARC representative.

Is that total or each? I thought they had a lower cost phono preamplifier under $3000. At one point, anyway. They used to have a hybrid integrated that went for about $5000.

All the 'high end' electronics companies cannot survive if they're all chasing the 'Ferrari' market. $7500 each for 'entry level' gear? Um, no. The fact is ARC cannot to save their skins engineer a reasonably priced piece of gear anymore.

Whatever happened to the SP16, SP17, or LP1? I have an LP1, which retailed for around two grand - it's a great piece of gear.

ARC should take a look at the kind of 'still expensive but affordable' products CJ is making these days. I don't think ARC's business plan of 'sell only super expensive gear' is going to work for them in the long run.

... back into production. Adjusted for inflation, the price for a 1972-era SP-3 and a Dual 51 together would be about $7500.
They weren't much to look at, but the focus back then was purely on sound quality, not cosmetics.

These new devices are not the issue. They retail for approximately the same as the products that they replace - LS-27 and PH-8 for example. The problem is that Audio Research has decided to drop their previous entry level models LS-17 and PH-6 and leave what was their mid-line products to be their new entry level.

Matt

Perhaps ARC after 46 years understands their customer base more than an internet comment section.

I happen to have been part of their customer base for 27 years. I have had an SP-9 since 1989 and recently bought a PH-6 to begin to upgrade my system. I many not be able to easily do so with the more affordable models no longer being available.

I would somewhat agree with you on them knowing their customers, but remember that the current owners of ARC are in Italy and not in Minneapolis as they have for most of that 46 years. William Z. Johnson designed well crafted products for several price points. Maybe it comes from his Midwestern background. Fine Sounds seem to be more of a luxury goods company and have moved the ARC product line upscale. Mikey's recent video was kind of odd hearing the new ARC designer speaking with an Italian accent.

It MIGHT be a good move, but in leaving behind a core part of their historic business, it is also a good way to alienate some of their customers.

Matt

I guess I shouldn't be reading this website as I am such a poor, worthless customer.

I said I am just starting to upgrade my system. I have not been in a position to buy a system for years due to a divorce and a daughter in college. That doesn't mean that I don't aspire to better.

You are the type of person who gives this hobby a bad name.

Ok, ok: I can´t afford to buy these pieces... but for me the face lift is a departure from the ugly "medical stuff" they ever looked...
The brushed face, display and even the handles now looks like sound equipment, not like intensive care electronics!!!

No other words need be said.

I recently bought a used mint Ls27 and a mint Ph6 for around 5,600 I think most people on this sight would be very happy with these items and being able to be in the audio research camp. I started out with their Sp3 and D75 which at that time they were introducing the tympani speakers! I thought this combo sound fantastic ! I'm telling my age here.

While I certainly can't run to the $7500 products, there are other less costly products that are just as nice.
That said, am i the only one who has watched Michael's videos on his visit to ARC recently? I think if everyone watched those they would have a better understanding.
Finally, Michael, you mentioned they are working on coming out with a line at half that cost. Well, I for one am looking forward to that no matter how it's made. If ARC is smart (and I think they are) they won't let quality slip no matter what. Also, it is common for companies like ARC to trickle down some of the finer components from the upper lines into the lower ones. Who knows, perhaps they may have figured out a way to have the less expensive items hand made or at least US made?

Sorry to all readers, Michael, and ARC for not taking enough time to take a breath before responding earlier. I started out trying to defend these products and ended up making some highly speculative comments that did not seem to show the respect that I hold for ARC.

I did not intend to say there was any problem with these products – they look fantastic. The only problem was for people like me who is currently looking to purchase ARC products right as it seems that the lower priced range is being phased out. From what Michael says I do not need to worry. ARC will continue to offer products in multiple ranges. For that I thank them.

Having recently gone to Axpona, I felt that the ARC room was the best sounding room there even while it was topped in price by many products that did not perform anywhere near as well. They are a true leader in the field and I can’t wait to see what happens over the next year as more of their new products reach the market.

Matt

Bring out a cheaper range made in China.
One thing I like about the Yanks is that they still do a lot of manufacturing on shore. Their product might be dearer but its generally a quality product.If Audio Research did this and made product offshore, I wouldn't buy it.

The one thing about the ARC video that really stood out for me was the extent to which the company supports its customer base both past and present. Their service department is so comprehensive that they can, and will, fix any piece of equipment manufactured by the company since its origin. Even a customer that bought only one piece of gear thirty plus years ago can send it in for service. This is not suggestive of a company fixated on servicing only an elite clientele. Very few, if any, high-end companies that have been in business as long as ARC are inclined to back their product to that extent. Yes, their current offerings are expensive but given their history and customer service policies it would be reasonable to assume that more cost-effective products will be forthcoming from the company in future.

I just bought the Bose Lifestyle system. Blows that crap away.

History and old stories can easily be the biggest threat of all companies. ARC should be proud of their past but the main view has to be move forward. It is like driving a car. Looking in the back mirror is OK as long as the road is straight, but you will not see new directions/turns/challenges.

A bigger question is how good the new equipment is. That ARC says it will outperform older gear is not a surprise. Time will tell if it is the case or just marketing bullshit. For sure they look nice which is also important. Most people (?) does not buy functions only.