ARC G Series….Let's get fired up!

[calcutroop]

Really doesn't like the look and I prefer the usual ARC style. It is a definitively a big NO for me, no matter the sound.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Looks great., but I'm not interested in paying 10k+ premium for looks over the Ref. 150. Performance. Let's talk about performance. Don't pull a "Wadia" on ARC, Fine Sounds.

+1

[Still-One]

My dealer has indicated that he is supposed to have some of the newer units in his showroom towards the end of this month.

The new design doesn't do much for me. That could change after seeing them in person. Either way they aren't targeting me anyhow..

[djcxxx]

I'm of the opinion that this series is a trial balloon and will not be available for an extended period based on relatively low demand. This was likely a good idea on paper, a nostalgic look to the past, but in reality the awkward price/performance ratio will likely prove unsurmountable by the esthetic of the components.

[cmalak]

Just posted similar comment in another thread here: http://www.audioaficionado.org/audio...tml#post639482

Here is a quote of my thoughts on the subject:

Originally Posted by cmalak

Except they have mispriced the products in my opinion. Take the GS150 @$25K as compared to the Ref 150 in the current Reference line which costs $12,995. Both output 150wpc. Yes the GS150 uses the KT150 tube vs. the Ref150 which uses KT120. So I am sure there is a difference in the transformers used in the two, each optimized for the tube it was originally designed with, although many have tried the KT150 in the Ref75/150/250 amps and have been very impressed with the enhanced SQ, even if ARC has not officially sanctioned the use of the KT150 in the current Reference amps.

But besides the change in tubes and likely the transformers as well in the GS150, what accounts for the remaining $12K difference in price to the Ref 150? Slightly more modernish case work (which I am actually not a great fan of but ok) and what else ???? Even if there are significant changes in the circuit design how much could those have actually cost? So to me, ARC is moving away from the high value for performance value proposition that they stood for for such a long time and moving into a pricing paradigm that is justified more by bling than the underlying engineering and cost to manufacture.

I am starting to worry about the direction in which ARC is being taken by the Fine Sounds Group. It seems like the Italian flair for fancy product design and producing lifestyle products with inflated pricing might alienate the core Audio Research customer who valued simple aesthetics, sound audio engineering principles, and SQ above all else.

I am not feeling optimistic for the brand or the company if this is the way things are going from here. If, on the other hand, they decide to maintain core ARC product design alongside more bling designs and have two tier pricing, then maybe they can maintain their core customers who value the traditional ARC product offering, and add to it new customers who are more interested in paying a premium for "bling." That has a chance of working but for me it confuses the brand identity of the company and ultimately is not a good idea.

Here endeth my rant from a long-time ARC loyalist.

[jpgr4blu]

+1

[kfr01]

+2

[Antonmb]

+3

[Alki]

+4

[Picto]

-1

For the GSi75 (preamp+amp+DAC) at about $19,000 and if the sound quality is there... it could even be a bargain!

Bertrand