ARC price increase effective mid-March '24

[vintage_tube]

Practically across the board a 25% increase: Here's a snapshot of some prices:

Model Current New Retail
REF10/REF Phono 10 $35,000 $45,000
REF6SE/REF Phono 3SE $19,500 $24,000
LS28SE/PH9/DAC9 $10,000 $12,500
REF160M – pair $38,000 $48,000
REF160S $24,000 $30,000
REFSOS $16,000 $20,000
VT8OSE $11,000 $12,000
450 $5,500 $6,900
50 with DAC & Phono $7,200 $8,650
REF750SEL – pair $85,000 $85,000

Bob

[audiogear]

Pretty steep increases…interesting to see how market responds.

[Porsche993TT]

from the brink of bankruptcy to skyrocketing price increase, no way in hell I would pay for that, but to each there own

[lem321]

As a longtime fan of Audio Research products, I'm a bit surprised by the 25% increase in their list prices. In the audiophile market, incremental bumps in MSRP are common in the range of 10-15% usually with new models or improvements in current production. However, given the general increase in prices for everything we consume (literally), it's not that surprising. You know the reasons. In addition, ARC's recent financial difficulties may require that they price their products at a certain level to remain viable. I just hope they haven't taken it too far. I will continue to buy their products but may think twice about major purchases.

[Charles]

I hope this works out well for them. ARC has many loyal customers. They have made wonderful tube gear for many years.

Best

Charles

[Masterlu]

That is a very steep increase by all industry standards; I wish them well.

[audiogear]

Also a bit surprised AR wasn't paired with Acora speakers at the Florida Audio Expo earlier this month...VAC was shown instead. Who knows where the owner of Acora wants to take AR...perhaps further up the ultra high end if the elevated MSRPs are any indication.

I hope AR finds its footing to continue their legacy for the many audio fans.

Photo courtesy via Stereophile

[Frank Sumatra]

I'm tempted to give Dave a call and say hi!

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by audiogear

Also a bit surprised AR wasn't paired with Acora speakers at the Florida Audio Expo earlier this month...VAC was shown instead. Who knows where the owner of Acora wants to take AR...perhaps further up the ultra high end if the elevated MSRPs are any indication.

That's correct -- in fact that was the identical VAC 450iQ mono amps & speaker set up in Miami last month & now Dallas. For Chicago, in April, speakers will be married up with VAC's 300iQ's in mono.

I thought it unusual too, but at times manufacturers want to showcase their top-of-the-line speakers ($220K) perform well with other brands. Apparently Valerio Cora has that in mind.

Bob

[tima]

Over time these increases are likely to trickle down to the used market.