ARC in receivership

[clpetersen]

Simple question: did ARC do some things better than anyone else? is it protected?

If answer is no, then difficult situation.

Speaking as a former SAAB-o-phile. Same questions. SAAB was loved for its quirkiness and a few genuine innovations. Not enough.

[tima]

Having been in the high-end for a while I don't perceive Audio Research Corporation as analogous to SAAB. SAAB did have innovations. But ARC has not been a quirky one-off. Relative to their industry I see ARC's reach (customer base), influence and profitability as much broader, at least in North America. They began in 1970 and were early pioneers in advancing and growing the high-end using tubes for amplification. This year is the company's 53rd anniversary. They are granted several patents. Today there are ARC dealers across the globe. The ARC resale market continues.

If you read The Absolute Sound, in the 1980s it was ARC vs. CJ, Conrad-Johnson, silver vs gold in a battle for your audiophile soul. Just look at the Audio Research sub-forum here at AA (and others) to see the on-going interest in their products. Sonics-wise they are viable and have dealerships across the globe. Their history is instantiated in the Audio Research Museum.

This is not to say ARC will or will not continue. I hope they do. Competition is good for the high-end.

[Masterlu]

https://www.strata-gee.com/minn-bank...p-trent-suggs/

[jpgr4blu]

MAY 10TH, 2023

Audio Research Corporation Is Dead! Long Live the New Restructured Audio Research Corporation!
NEW OWNERS
By: Tracking Angle


Maple Grove, MN. May 10th, 2023—TrackingAngle.com Exclusive! Audio Research Corporation founded in 1970 by William Z. Johnson and most recently owned by TWS Enterprises, a company formed by former ARC employee Trent Suggs, no longer exists, but a new Audio Research Corporation has been created that will keep the company running as it has been for more than 50 years and at its current Maple Grove, MN headquarters. For all intents and purposes, customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and everyone doing business with, and loving the old Audio Research Corporation should not notice that anything has changed.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by clpetersen

Simple question: did ARC do some things better than anyone else? is it protected?

If answer is no, then difficult situation.

Speaking as a former SAAB-o-phile. Same questions. SAAB was loved for its quirkiness and a few genuine innovations. Not enough.

1993 900 Turbo Convertible here (it was awesome!)...

Big difference is that auto companies require incredible scale to survive. ARC and similar companies can survive as boutiques, as evidenced by the deal just announced

[djcxxx]

https://trackingangle.com/features/a...-least-for-now

Hopefully a phoenix rises from the ashes.

[Charles]

I spoke to a friend of mine concerning the problems at ARC. Their failure to bring out low cost gear early really hurt them. Looking at their lineup, IMO, it is very robust. In particular I am very impressed with their smaller integrated amps. They are quite beautiful and I understand, have a gorgeous sound. With the infusion of new capital, hopefully the sales of the less expensive gear like these beautiful integrated amps will put the company on sound financial footing. I find ARC gear to be beautiful and though I have never heard any, I have no doubt concerning the superb sound quality. When I read reviews, one of the qualities that I like is that ARC gear meets or exceeds their published specifications. I think this quite important with tube gear. I think it is a case of too much too late and now that the "too late" has been removed, their excellent lineup of products will save the company. My friend says that ARC's name alone is worth millions. I wish the new owners the very best and hope they will understand the value of the name and keep the brand's quality unchanged.

Best

Charles

[cleeds]

ARC's Dave Gordon posted on FB yesterday that, "Audio Research has new ownership, which will be formally announced on Monday, May 15."

While we're all speculating as to what happened at ARC, I think its problems were with management, not product.

[Porsche993TT]

Originally Posted by cleeds

ARC's Dave Gordon posted on FB yesterday that, "Audio Research has new ownership, which will be formally announced on Monday, May 15."

While we're all speculating as to what happened at ARC, I think its problems were with management, not product.

of course its management, hopefully they make everyone whole again

[cleeds]

From TAS this morning:

"The following is a press release issued by Acora Acoustics and Audio Research.

Minneapolis, May 17, 2023 – We are thrilled to announce that Valerio Cora, Founder and CEO of Acora Acoustics Corporation, will be at the helm of a new independent corporation dedicated to guiding the Audio Research brand toward a future that will grow its strengths and legacy. This strategic vision and process aims to uphold the visionary and uncompromised principles laid down by the esteemed William Z. Johnson, the founding father of high-end audio and the visionary behind ARC.

Our primary objective is simple yet profound: to continuously advance the art of audio reproduction while preserving the esteemed heritage and unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality that has become synonymous with this remarkable and prestigious brand.

Under Valerio Cora’s leadership, along with his extensive experience and unwavering passion for audio excellence, we are confident in our abilities to chart a path forward that honors the legacy and core values of Audio Research, while embracing innovation and evolution. Audio Research and Acora Acoustics will remain separate entities, each following their own independent paths in the future.

As we begin this new chapter, we express our deep gratitude to William Z. Johnson for his vision and groundbreaking contributions which have laid the foundation for Audio Research’s enduring reputation as a leader in the industry.

We look forward to sharing further updates and innovations as we embark on this new journey."