Audio Research Contact.

Gary (Hifigeek), responding to your 12/26 post above. I was able to get through to Chris on Thursday and asked him what was going on with Kal and the telephone situation. Chris was very apologetic, but explained it was a management issue -- unrelated to Kal or him. As you probably know, ARC was purchased by a foreign investor a little while back and since that time, new management has reorganzied how the combined ARC/Wadia team interfaces with the public.

In short, Kal and Chris are working double duty handling BOTH ARC and Wadia matters. I sent Kal a very nice note suggesting that he and the other legacy ARC guys pass a message to management from the field (the us'es) that we miss the attention and service that ARC was known for. Of course, I let Kal know that he still has many loyal fans (like me), but we would sure appreciate a return to the old ARC.

In the meantime, Kal said he would take part and tube order via e mail, and also try to answer service related questions that way too. Payments are now handled by a secure web based set-up. I just bought 2 6550 WE tubes for my Ref CD-8 and PH-8 power supplies. It'll be interesting to see how it works out.

Hopefully, new management will get with the program and let Kal do what he always did so well -- talk live with ARC's loyal customers.

I suppose you can also purchase parts through me and ask me questions as long as long as I don't get deluged with them. Since CES is next week, Chris will not be at the factory. The same Italian Corporation also purchased McIntosh as well as owning Sonus Faber. Just so you know I have received emails from Kal at 10PM his time, and he doesn't receive overtime.

Thanks for the offer Gary (Hifigeek). I'm quite flattered. I promise NOT to bug you with questions.

I sure hope the Italian company doesn't burn out our ARC friends. It's hard to overstate the importance of the personal touch in our hobby -- and folks like Leonard and Kal don't come around that often. I can't even imagine how poor Chris is managing. Maybe if enough customers and ARC tech guys like you let the new bosses know how the "new" approach is being received in the field, we may get some positive change -- or better still, "unchange."

Unfortunately, I'm sure I could complain till I'm blue in the face. It wouldn't matter.

Back when it was owned by Johnson, ARC's profits merely needed to provide for its employees, its founder and family, and have enough left over to re-invest in the business.

Do ya think that's enough for investors who have no interest in ARC other than as an investment?

I don't know the story, but its too bad the senior employees didn't band together and purchase ARC from Johnson when he retired.