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Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction |
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Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
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I think you're missing the point. Wonder if it even has balanced inputs? I'm guessing no, or maybe that's an option too. Just another bare bones entry into the mini space heater/flashlight segment.
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#12
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Yes. With the bare-bones model costing what it does and all options adding at least $1000, each (my guess), it is hardly an "introductory" piece for most folks.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag Last edited by Formerly YB-2; 02-08-2021 at 10:58 AM. Reason: typo |
#13
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I for one prefer the more sedate looks. Hopefully, this is a sign that ARC will be returning to the Laboratory equipment styling they had for 40 years prior to the horrid Italian styling of the past few years.
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#14
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Looks like getting closer with new images on AR’s Instagram
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McIntosh Labs |
#15
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I didn't have quite as extreme a reaction to ARC's Italian styling but I do think it was badly misguided. The "form over function" approach resulted in the infamously problematic "ghost meters" and faceplates that were apparently redesigned just for the heck of it. That was never WZJ's or ARC's approach, where cosmetic changes were made gradually and thoughtfully.
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Primary sources: VPI TNT III/SDS turntable, SME-V arm; Bryston BDP-3 digital player; Bryston BDA-3 DAC; McIntosh MVP-881 disc player; McIntosh MR-80 tuner. Preamplifier Audio Research Ref 5SE; Audio Research Ref Phono 2SE; Moon 430 HA. Amplifiers Conrad Johnson Premier 1B; Audio Research D-300; Bryston 4B. Speakers Infinity IRS Beta. Recorders Tandberg TD20A; Crown SX-822; Nakamichi 670ZX; Alesis Masterlink ML-9600. Power Tice Power Block/Titan (x2); McIntosh MPC1500; API Ultra II-20; multiple 20A derated dedicated lines. |
#16
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Quote:
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Wilson Alexia V; ARC Ref 6SE; ARC Ref Phono 3SE; Boulder 1160; Esoteric K1X; Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement; Ikeda 407; Koetsu Leopard, Coralstone; Shunyata Denali 6000T; Shunyata AC cables; Siltech Prince speaker cables; Siltech Princess interconnects, Avondale II phono. |
#17
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Quote:
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#18
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Don't get me wrong - I'm a long-time ARC guy and I'm glad that the issue is resolved. But lotsa people had issues with those meters.
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Primary sources: VPI TNT III/SDS turntable, SME-V arm; Bryston BDP-3 digital player; Bryston BDA-3 DAC; McIntosh MVP-881 disc player; McIntosh MR-80 tuner. Preamplifier Audio Research Ref 5SE; Audio Research Ref Phono 2SE; Moon 430 HA. Amplifiers Conrad Johnson Premier 1B; Audio Research D-300; Bryston 4B. Speakers Infinity IRS Beta. Recorders Tandberg TD20A; Crown SX-822; Nakamichi 670ZX; Alesis Masterlink ML-9600. Power Tice Power Block/Titan (x2); McIntosh MPC1500; API Ultra II-20; multiple 20A derated dedicated lines. |
#19
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Ok, I wasn't aware. They work really well with the updates.
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#20
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My 160S was replaced after 3 months due to meter failure. The new amp I received has the in house meters. The illumination is uneven with one meter brighter than the other. I turned them off. I’ve been a loyal ARC customer for over 40 years so I have no bias against ARC as some do, but the current component appearance could be improved and I would not continue the “ghost” meters if they cannot be serviced or replaced without replacing the amplifier.
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Wilson Alexia V; ARC Ref 6SE; ARC Ref Phono 3SE; Boulder 1160; Esoteric K1X; Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement; Ikeda 407; Koetsu Leopard, Coralstone; Shunyata Denali 6000T; Shunyata AC cables; Siltech Prince speaker cables; Siltech Princess interconnects, Avondale II phono. |
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