ARC 250SE discontinued??
 

A current audiogon ad states that the ARC 250SE has been discontinued - has anyone else heard about this? The amp is still listed on the ARC website.


New in box Audio Research REF250SE amplifiers in the Silver finish now available at xxxxx. They will arrived sealed with zero hours and full 3 year factory warranty. These amps have recently been discontinued by Audio Research, here's a great chance to own them discounted with all the benefits of buying new at retail. We are certified Audio Research dealers, local pickup and inspection is available.

I own (and really like) a pair of refurbished 250SEs. I asked ARC over the last year if they were planning an update, and they said that it was not high on their priority list, and that they were focused on other projects first. Maybe they are concentrating on a more economical line of products first?

It always seemed to me the 160M monoblocks were the replacement for the 250SE. The pricing was similar ($30K for the 160M and $34K for the 250SE) although the power ratings were much different. I've not directly compared the two side-by-side but many believe the 160Ms are "better." The discontinued 250SEs are a real bargain now on the pre-owned market.

I don't know when/if a replacement is coming for the Ref250, but I do know that they are busy with some other projects: Ref80s, new flagship preamp, and some lower priced stuff. There's been some youtube chats with Trent where he talks about this. I don't remember if he mentions the Ref250.

According to the new book on the history of Audio Research "Making the Music Glow" by Ken Kessler, the Ref 260 is currently in the works.

The Ref 150SE was also discontinued per a similar advertisement. With new management and financial structure I would suspect there is considerable internal discussion at ARC regarding the overall direction of the various components.

The Ref150SE is also still up on their website as is the Ref75SE.

I would think the new Ref 260 (monos) to replace the 250SEs would be a more powerful version of their new 160 series with the same look and styling. For less sensitive speakers, I bet a 260 mono pair would sound amazing.

- Buck