Audio Research in Trouble

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/whither-audio-research.36751/

Hopefully this doesn’t spell the end for them.
Infinity RS-II / Rowland Model 1 / Accuphase C-200X / Oppo BDP-105 / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Ikeda 9C2 & Audio Technica ART-1 carts

Comments

  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,166
    Sounds like it may have been a sale arrangement. A lot of audio companies that started 40 to 50 years ago that managed to remain independent over the decades based on keeping a close relationship with dealers and customers have had to sell their brand as the old timer founders have aged out. Unfortunately, excellent customer service hasn’t always survived when the torch has been passed. But some have benefitted by getting access to capital investment to modernize.
  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,058
    edited April 30
    "Hello, everyone. This is my first post on What's Best because I want you to know what is happening at Audio Research. Some of you know me since I was hire by Bill Johnson at Audio Research in 1989. I left for a few years and returned to ARC in 1996.
    We will be posting a statement on the Fans of Audio Research's FB page, and also the company's FB page as this seems the fastest way to get the facts out.
    Nathanu's post is correct. What almost no one seems to realize is that Audio Research has been running since the assignment was filed on April 4th, almost four weeks ago. That was a week and a half before AXPONA, where our VP Sales (Allan Haggar) worked with Quintessence Audio (REF10, REFPH10, 160M MkII). We are staffed, with customer service answering the phone, the service department is repairing products, production is building new products, we are receiving parts, our sales department continues to accept orders, and our shipping department is shipping parts and product orders along with service work.
    Trent Suggs was relieved of control of Audio Research. We have been working with individuals who want to purchase the company, and I expect that we will have a new owner within the week. There will be continuity as production, engineering, purchasing, service, and critical personnel will remain working for Audio Research. Warren Gehl, too.
    I am writing this quickly as there are a lot of things to attend to immediately. Thanks to Mike for sending me this link to this so I could respond”


    A quote from someone at Audio Research.
  • jbreezy5
    jbreezy5 Posts: 1,013
    Isn’t/wasn’t Audio Research owned or affiliated with McIntosh in some fashion?
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,032
    jbreezy5 wrote: »
    Isn’t/wasn’t Audio Research owned or affiliated with McIntosh in some fashion?

    Yes, but only rather briefly (and not all that long ago).
    Lots of chatter about this on other forums, too.
  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,166
    Maybe there were legal reasons to say nothing for almost a month because the owner was "relieved of control of Audio Research" but the silence seems to have gathered quite a bit of undesirable negative publicity for the brand.

    Maybe they could no longer secure a reliable source of audio grade tubes and have decided to go Class D for all future products instead (joking).

    :D
  • jbreezy5
    jbreezy5 Posts: 1,013
    Emlyn wrote: »
    Maybe there were legal reasons to say nothing for almost a month because the owner was "relieved of control of Audio Research" but the silence seems to have gathered quite a bit of undesirable negative publicity for the brand.

    Maybe they could no longer secure a reliable source of audio grade tubes and have decided to go Class D for all future products instead (joking).

    :D

    Lol, but that would seem plausible, as far as the class D part.
  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,069
    Emlyn wrote: »
    Sounds like it may have been a sale arrangement. A lot of audio companies that started 40 to 50 years ago that managed to remain independent over the decades based on keeping a close relationship with dealers and customers have had to sell their brand as the old timer founders have aged out. Unfortunately, excellent customer service hasn’t always survived when the torch has been passed. But some have benefitted by getting access to capital investment to modernize.

    The new conglomerate of failures known as Soundbar United.

    Look on the brightside, soon you can be the proud owner of a McIntosh soundbar.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 27,356
    You know there is a market for a surround bar with blue meters that dance to the music
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • jbreezy5
    jbreezy5 Posts: 1,013
    …and all for only $5k
  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,069
    You'll feel good about downsizing to save the planet too.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,032
    edited May 1
    I mean, there is this already, y'know? Not quite a soundbar, but almost as good.
    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-kH08ScDofu8/p_958RS250/McIntosh-RS250.html

    29n5tvg2iqt2.png

    1lagv1yjd9sy.png

    :#
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 27,356
    That price..........

    Like some rich guys under cabinet kitchen radio
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 17,321
    Better than Bose....

    Well, maybe...

    Maybe not. Awe chit son, I'll shut up now.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,252
    I think they’ll be fine
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
  • engie490
    engie490 Posts: 385
    Infinity RS-II / Rowland Model 1 / Accuphase C-200X / Oppo BDP-105 / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Ikeda 9C2 & Audio Technica ART-1 carts
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 27,356
    World of cheap money has come to an end and alot of companies will follow suit I'm afraid.

    The unprofitable companies that worked oon constant cash injections and debt are about to be consolidated into a larger umbrella or forgotten
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.