Galileo

**wizard** · May 15, 2014, 08:45 AM

**Bobvin** · May 15, 2014, 10:38 AM

Goddammit! Now I've got a huge ARC boner... that is serious audio porn. Saweeet lookin tubes.

**joeinid** · May 15, 2014, 10:46 AM

OMG! Me too! Sweet.

**dlb2** · May 15, 2014, 10:53 AM

Everything old is new again.

**Bobvin** · May 15, 2014, 11:50 AM

Looking closely at some pics, the Galileo GS series has a pre/dsp amp, a power amp with those 150 egg tubes, and an integrated. But I don't see "Reference" on the labeling.

So very nice to see the new ownership seems to have some ideas about marketing and bling in today's world, hopefully not diminishing in any way from the engineering/sound quality that ARC has been steadily improving the last decade. I had a VS115, and my sweet wife loved the glowing tubes, bless her heart. I'd love a REF class product with visible tubes (OK, the 750s are out of my league.)

**cmalak** · May 15, 2014, 02:37 PM

I am not sure I like the industrial design but guess have to see this in person. Be interesting to see where the Galileo series is placed in the line. My guess is below Ref series and above the V series. We'll see. I'll take an integrated with the KT-150 tubes

**cmalak** · May 15, 2014, 06:29 PM

If you look at video in the Mono and Stereo link or at ARC website, the inspirations for the industrial design of the pieces for the pre is the SP-1, for the power amp it's the D-79 and I think they just melded the two concepts for the integrated. There is no Reference designation on the faceplates so my guess is the Galileo line may be the successor to the current V-series (power and integrated amp) and LS- series (for the pre) or maybe in between the Reference and the V- and LS- series in terms of pricing. The amps are based on the KT-150 tubes and the stereo amp puts out 150wpc which means the KT-150s are being used very conservatively and the integrated puts out 75wpc.

Not sure about the target market but the melding of the old-school look with modern lines and materials suggests an updating of the Audio Research look going forward. Clearly the industrial design capabilities of Sonus Faber via Livio Cucuzza who is now heading up industrial design for the Fine Sounds Group are being leveraged across the companies as he has clearly started to make his mark with the new look of the Wadia Intuition integrated/DAC, the 321 DAC, the ARC SP-20 pre and now the Galielo line of ARC products. It will be interesting to see if any updating to the McIntosh aesthetic is coming down the road with the introduction of new products there.

**joeinid** · May 15, 2014, 06:33 PM

It would be great to see the KT-150 showing up in the REF75, etc. as long as the sound quality is there.

**cmalak** · May 15, 2014, 08:05 PM

Here's AudioBeat.com's description from the Munich show with pricing info. Looks like they went for the jugular. Way too high on the pricing for me. I think they got this one wrong!

The GSPre will cost about $18,000, the GS150 will cost $25,000 and the GSi75 will come in at about $19,000.

Audio Research GSPre, GS150 and GSi75 - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com

**dlb2** · May 15, 2014, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

It would be great to see the KT-150 showing up in the REF75, etc. as long as the sound quality is there.

I'd like to see them go in the opposite direction and work on a +/- 35w amp built around EL34's.

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**joeinid** · May 15, 2014, 08:26 PM

Holy cow! Not inexpensive. Seems a little high, to me anyway.

Originally Posted by cmalak

Here's AudioBeat.com's description from the Munich show with pricing info. Looks like they went for the jugular. Way too high on the pricing for me. I think they got this one wrong!

Audio Research GSPre, GS150 and GSi75 - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com

**dlb2** · May 15, 2014, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Holy cow! Not inexpensive. Seems a little high, to me anyway.

I agree Joe. I guess Italian designers don't come cheap these days.

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**Bobvin** · May 15, 2014, 11:20 PM

Makes my recent purchase of Ref75 / Ref10 seem like a bargain. Due for arrival next week. If it kills me I'm going to have music again by end of June (ok, maybe for the 4th of July!)

**wizard** · May 16, 2014, 02:39 AM

**wizard** · May 16, 2014, 02:40 AM

**Ritmo** · May 16, 2014, 06:39 AM

Interesting. ARC has been pretty busy over the last couple of years revamping their line and adding new models. I just hope they don't over extend themselves.

Lets see how they position Galileo within their lines - above or below Ref?

**Feanor** · May 16, 2014, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

Here's AudioBeat.com's description from the Munich show with pricing info. Looks like they went for the jugular. Way too high on the pricing for me. I think they got this one wrong!

The GSPre will cost about $18,000, the GS150 will cost $25,000 and the GSi75 will come in at about $19,000.

Audio Research GSPre, GS150 and GSi75 - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com

Sadly the trend to day in audio and various other good is up-market. This isn't because the average person is getting rich -- it's because the top <10% are. That's one factor; the other is that short-run manufacturers have to keep there mark-ups high and really the only way to do that is to go after the top end of the market.

**joeinid** · May 16, 2014, 05:30 PM

Nelson?

Do you know if the new Galileo gear is above or below the current Reference series?

**highEndguy** · May 16, 2014, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Nelson?

Do you know if the new Galileo gear is above or below the current Reference series?

Nothing yet , Joe
All my contacts are in Munich
I should been there

**still-one** · May 16, 2014, 08:46 PM

It looks like the put two designers on the project one from the 1970's and the other from the 2020's. They couldn't agree and just cobbled the two together. I much prefer the Ref 10 design.

**cmalak** · May 16, 2014, 11:20 PM

Jim...the designer used two classic ARC pieces (the SP-1 preamp introduced in 1970 and the D-79 amp introduced in 1979) for his inspiration and modernized the materials, the lines, and the overall look and feel. They are meant to harken back to the old-style look and feel but with modern cues. I am not sure I dig it but may have a different reaction if I see it in person. I certainly do not agree with their pricing here. They went way too aggressive. It may be that they market these pieces as commemorative/limited editions with a limited production run like they did with the Ref 40th Anniversary edition preamp (which they only produced for one year or they may limit the production run to max out at a certain number) and maybe that's how they justify the premium pricing but it does not make sense to me in relation to the pricing on the Reference series pre and amps!

**Bobvin** · May 17, 2014, 11:57 AM

I am a little concerned with the pricing and positioning of these pieces. I have found ARC to be a true bargain in the industry relative to Dag, Constellation, Solution, etc. Now, if these pieces are below Ref in performance, this can only mean the next Ref products are going to jump in price significantly. One might also expect new Ref designs to be more bling faces to justify the upcharge. Lots of other companies charging what they do, ARC new management may feel they've been leaving a lot of money on the table.

ARC look has been due for some refreshing, and I liked open visible tubes of VS115, but

at what cost? (And, also risk of alienating buyers due to looks.)

**Myles B. Astor** · May 17, 2014, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

Jim...the designer used two classic ARC pieces (the SP-1 preamp introduced in 1970 and the D-79 amp introduced in 1979) for his inspiration and modernized the materials, the lines, and the overall look and feel. They are meant to harken back to the old-style look and feel but with modern cues. I am not sure I dig it but may have a different reaction if I see it in person. I certainly do not agree with their pricing here. They went way too aggressive. It may be that they market these pieces as commemorative/limited editions with a limited production run like they did with the Ref 40th Anniversary edition preamp (which they only produced for one year or they may limit the production run to max out at a certain number) and maybe that's how they justify the premium pricing but it does not make sense to me in relation to the pricing on the Reference series pre and amps!

+1 I would wait to see them in person!

**highEndguy** · May 17, 2014, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

+1 I would wait to see them in person!

+1

**Ritmo** · May 17, 2014, 01:41 PM

They should do a video (a la Wilson) to launch the Galileo series. Share and explain what is it that they are trying to achieve with this new ARC line and how is it positioned within the brand. David Wilson and his team do a terrific job doing this as part of their product launch playbook.

**cmalak** · May 17, 2014, 02:08 PM

Mike...they have a video (you can find on ARC website and also in the Mono & Stereo link) but with no narration. I agree a video with a clear explanation of the motivation and design principles and where it fits in the line is in order.

As Bob has said, I am concerned that such moves will alienate traditional ARV buyer who values substance over style. ARC products have always emphasized SQ over fancy boxes and delivery of good value in their products (they have always been premium priced products but still delivering a lot of bang for the buck relative to the competition). It seems that the Galileo series moves them away from this ethic of providing good value. I may be totally wrong and the combination of superior SQ and new styling justifies the new premium price points but it doesn't seem so to me.

**mep** · May 17, 2014, 02:22 PM

I still think the KT-150s remind me of small footballs. I hope that ARC will authorize their use in the REF 75. I will use them if they do.

**cmalak** · May 17, 2014, 03:47 PM

Here's Soundstage.com's coverage of the new Galilelo series as well as new products from Wadia, McIntosh and SF at the Munich High End show: SoundStage! Global | SoundStageGlobal.com | High End 2014 Product Coverage Gallery 2

**Bobvin** · May 17, 2014, 08:09 PM

Personally, I kinda dig the look, but worry it will just be something trendy. With the lofty prices, I am reconsidering adding Ref Phono 2SE to my rack before there is a sudden price bump, or before it is replaced by the new bling-ier model at twice the price. I don't want to be cynical, but the prices for the new gear, unless replacing some REF series, seems out of character for ARC so what will be next?

If GS150 replaces Ref 150, with move to new tubes, hopefully a SQ bump, and the nifty casework, I might be forgiving. Else what is in store for their "Reference" line?

**Mark** · June 8, 2014, 08:58 PM

I heard one of the new ARC Galileo amps with the new Lilium Sonus Faber speaker at the Munich show. It sounded so good!

**joeinid** · June 9, 2014, 01:59 AM

Welcome to the forum Mark!

**NorthStar** · June 9, 2014, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by Mark

I heard one of the new ARC Galileo amps with the new Lilium Sonus Faber speaker at the Munich show. It sounded so good!

ARC rules! ...Sonus Faber very nice.

Welcome Mark!

**highEndguy** · June 9, 2014, 01:50 PM

Bienvenido !!!

**highEndguy** · August 13, 2014, 03:39 PM

I placed my first order for a pair

Cant wait

**joeinid** · August 13, 2014, 04:52 PM

Can't wait for your opinion. I still don't know where in the line the Galileo gear sits relative to the Reference series. Hopefully we'll get more info as the gear ships and gets into peoples systems. Congrats Nelson.

Originally Posted by highEndguy

I placed my first order for a pair

Cant wait

**sharkmouth** · August 13, 2014, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

I placed my first order for a pair

Cant wait

Nelson, hurry up or it will soon be xmas

Originally Posted by joeinid

Can't wait for your opinion. I still don't know where in the line the Galileo gear sits relative to the Reference series. Hopefully we'll get more info as the gear ships and gets into peoples systems. Congrats Nelson.

Joe, I'm guessing it's a sneaky upgrade to fly under the sh*t hitting the fan, otherwise known as existing customers wrath.

**joeinid** · August 13, 2014, 05:38 PM

That's what I was thinking too Kev. The looks are growing on me.

**highEndguy** · August 13, 2014, 10:41 PM

I'm going to be in the first group to not say the first to have them
I'm solid with the Italians

**highEndguy** · August 13, 2014, 10:42 PM

They will be in my country around first week of September

**highEndguy** · August 13, 2014, 10:43 PM

The G Series will be only in silver finish

**highEndguy** · August 29, 2014, 02:24 PM

The G series are delayed till 9/15/2014

**Ritmo** · August 29, 2014, 02:58 PM

Only a couple of weeks Nelson!

**knghifi** · September 11, 2014, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by highEndguy

The G series are delayed till 9/15/2014

G series still scheduled for 9/15/2014 launch?

**highEndguy** · September 11, 2014, 12:59 PM

I'm still waiting

**MDP** · September 11, 2014, 01:05 PM

Nelson, what do you have coming ?

**highEndguy** · September 11, 2014, 02:59 PM

GSpre / GS150

**MDP** · September 11, 2014, 03:15 PM

Very cool Nelson !

**Ritmo** · September 11, 2014, 08:50 PM

Looking forward to your comments Nelson!

**highEndguy** · September 11, 2014, 10:50 PM

**highEndguy** · October 18, 2014, 04:08 PM

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