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In Reply to: RE: Audio Research I/50 posted by Wojciech on August 11, 2023 at 07:28:43
Hi,
This isn't to be argumentative, but I'm wondering why you say this in particular: "Built quality of ARC amps is exemplary and pretty much unmatched in the industry."
I've been to Audio Research a few times -- but I've also been to more factories than I believe any hi-fi writers has ever been to. So, I've seen a lot of manufacturing.
There's certainly nothing wrong with the way Audio Research builds amp from what I've seen, but "unmatched" I don't think is accurate. I've seen numerous companies as good or better. Why do you believe they're unmatched?
Doug Schneider
SoundStage!
Follow Ups:
I referred to their tube equipment because that's their forte.
Which tube brand you feel is on equal footing with ARC regarding construction techniques, parts quality, fit and finish ? Mind you I don't talk of sound since it's a subjective opinion. I'm not a fan but working on some of tube equipment I simply haven't seen better built gear. The latest stuff from ARC looks more mainstream and disposable but parts quality still good . Yeah , I saw Lamm stuff, also pretty nice with parts costing 1/5 th of what's on ARC boards and triple price. VTL ? sorry mess , not bad sound. European brands hit and miss but mostly cramped, cheap components and lousy built , often surpringly good sound but questionable reliability.
I guess it's much easier to CAD perfect looking colorful interior with parts costing close to zero than taxing tube amp which will last decades.
Hi,
In your post, you did say "in the industry." If you're narrowing it down to the tube industry then, there are a few companies that come quickly to mind -- the USA's Rogue Audio, Germany's T+A, and Japan's Luxman all make outstanding tube gear.
Doug Schneider
Considering that tube equipment is far more challenging than solid state I wasn't far off. Can you tell resistor from capacitor? If not, there is no point.
The companies you mentioned do make solid products but construction and parts quality wise not on level of ARC. Esthetics and sound quality not considered. I have Lux CL38 pre and had ARC reference preamps. I prefer Lux but there is no denying material and construction wise ARC is far ahead. Rouge is different league all together
Well, we can agree to disagree because "far ahead" it's certainly not. I know because I've been and also had quite a bit of the stuff here. It's good -- which is what you'd expect for the price. No more, no less.
Doug
It's true that the latest series became more " flimsy" and are cheaper made and more in line with what other manufacturers do while prices went considerably up. So, maybe you have the point.
I personally think ARC has a lot of work to do to get back to where it once was. We'll see.
Doug
Howdy, Doug:
What's your impression of Quicksilver tube amps? Years ago, I recall Sam Tellig marveling at the build quality and reliability of Mike Sanders' products. Point to point wiring and all that jazz. Apparently Sam had given a Quicksilver amp to his daughter, who had enjoyed years of trouble-free use from the unit.
Those I have no idea about. I'd seen them at shows, but that's about it. Never examined them closely. Some people get worked up about seeing point-to-point wiring, BTW, but it's sometimes more impressive to see than it really is. But in this case, I don't really know. Sorry.
Doug
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