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- Oct 11, 2018
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In the late '70s, ARC was seriously thinking of abandoning tubes, in favor of their 'proprietary' Analog Module brick. I'm not even sure what that was... a potted IC or something?Audio Research corporation.
Anyhow, in a press release, Bill claimed they would continue to support legacy devices, selling inventory 'for as long as their was demand'. From the depths of my questionable memory, I think the biggest ARC influencer at that time, Harry Pearson, took a listen to William Z's latest and greatest solid state preamp. Shortly thereafter, the entire Analog Module push was forgotten, and it was back to the future for ARC. LOL
The 'problem' with this stuff from Bob (if Bob even has anything to do with this stuff), is not that it's goofy. His gear always had a little bit of goofy baked in. Customers expected and wanted that. It's that Bob always sold at a reasonable 'blue collar' price. And sold by way of dealers, who then took their cut. So you can guess his margins. Now, he's asking ARC prices for direct sales. I mean, I guess he is actually selling these.
I don't get it. For five large you can buy a 'little' ARC integrated. In six colors (it says here). The damned thing even has 'plug in' modules for a DAC and RIAA stage, for crying out loud.
According to ARC (and they should know) it's functionally simple, visually engaging, and musically sublime, taking listening to a whole new experience. And not only that, it's lovingly hand-crafted in Minnesota. I don't know about anyone else, but Minnesota is a deal sealer for me. Plus, it looks like it's got some digital LEDs indicating something or other. This one is 21. And if you look closely, it's wearing some of those little tube condoms. A very 'safe' amp, no doubt.
Bob really needs to up his game. For five thousand dollars? Unless he's sending Miss Hologram to my house for an extended... um... er... hands on listening session, I'm making Audio Research the stop.