Big changes at Audio Research (again)

The mystery of the hi end audio industry. Given the numerous positive reviews of Acora, Val may have been tempted to sell when the departure is timely and profitable. If they did increase prices, it would not be surprising. Seems to be the current trend in hi end audio. Maybe someone can provide the rational for such action. Greed? Higher manufacturers costs? They think their market will not be disouraged from adsorbing the price increase? Another reason?

In any event, this trend is very dubious ( I think arrogant and self defeating) to expand their market and only cater to the uber wealthy. The death knell of this industry in my view. Why can't companies follow the Magnepan pricing model? Are their other hi end companies that have a similar philosphy?
 
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ggdudeabides said:
The mystery of the hi end audio industry. Given the numerous positive reviews of Acora, Val may have been tempted to sell when the departure is timely and profitable. If they did increase prices, it would not be surprising. Seems to be the current trend in hi end audio. Maybe someone can provide the rational for such action. Greed? Higher manufacturers costs? They think their market will not be disouraged from adsorbing the price increase? Another reason?

In any event, this trend is very dubious ( I think arrogant and self defeating) to expand their market and only cater to the uber wealthy. The death knell of this industry in my view. Why can't companies follow the Magnepan pricing model? Are their other hi end companies that have a similar philosphy?
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I needd to check some current info, last I saw they did introduce a new integrated that was supposed to sell around $5k. They also introduced a solid state amp and preamp, if memory serves they were in the $10k range give or take. Also a tube preamp in the same price range. That's not exactly entry level pricing but it's more accessible than the Reference stuff. Again I haven't seen pricing in a long time at the time the 160m was introduced those were $30k and IMO they were a comparative bargain at that price. They aren't the only company going for the 1%.
 
ls3 ss preamp about $7500.00
ls2 Tube preamp about $8500.00
s100 100x2 200x2 into 4 ohms about $9500
s200 200x2 into 8 ohms 400 into 4 ohms this amp has VU meters and differentially balanced about $13k
The s100 I believe is also balanced.
There is also the i70 integrated I didn't get a price.

Imo these are competitive products and prices. I'd love to hear the ss gear to get a feel. The tube pre with a ss power could be a nice combo.
 
Thanks for the pricing info. The i70 is $10K. The i50 is $6,500. Appears AR is market sensitive creating products at a more affordable price point. Unfortunately, still a 1% price tag for many folks. I also question their desired market segment. But I understand why given AR's sound qualtity / design standards and manufacturing costs. Certainly a step in the right direction and I really hope it increases sales / profits and long term company viabilty.
 
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ggdudeabides said:
Thanks for the pricing info. The i70 is $10K. The i50 is $6,500. Appears AR is market sensitive creating products at a more affordable price point. Unfortunately, still a 1% price tag for many folks. I also question their desired market segment. But I understand why given AR's sound qualtity / design standards and manufacturing costs. Certainly a step in the right direction and I really hope it increases sales / profits and long term company viabilty.
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ARC has never tried to compete in the entry level. They have historically offered an integrated. They aren't the only one. It just depends on where a company sees their product in the market.

Many companies who get down in the entry level area face difficult with respect to their higher end products. May not be right but it's fact. Brands like Onkyo, Yamaha and others struggle with higher end products due to the lower end products. Marantz seems to navigate this about as well as anyone I think it's due to their Reference branding. Other brands try to distinguish products apart like Pioneer Elite or Sony ES. My guess is most high end brands also don't have the resources for a broad line of products like some of the larger corps.

Yamaha offers integrated amp starting around $399.00. I was very impressed by their $8k integrated driving their own speakers. IMO that system playing beyond its class. I don't know how sales are for those products my impression they don't get the respect they deserve because of the Yamaha name and consumers knowing of the entry level offerings.

That's my take FWIW :)

I haven't found any statement from Acora or ARC on the purchase, change, whatever happened. I can only assume it wasn't amicable.
 
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