Your dealer is indeed full of it. I've owned the ARC 240MKII and the 100.2. The 100.2 is vastly superior in all aspects and worth about $1,000 more than the 240. I'd stay away from that dealer forever. Also, the ARC D400MKII is indeed a great amplifer, but it's better than the 100.2 only if you need the additional power. Otherwise, stick with the 100.2. They fly out of Audiogon for between $1,700 and $1,800.
ARC 100.2 vs. D240?
My local high end dealer offered me a swap of my 100.2 plus $500 for a mint condition D240. I'm currently running a pair of B&W 640i's with an eye toward uprading to the JM Lab Electra 946. I also use an Aragon Soundstage pre-pro. I probably listen to 70% music (mostly acoustic jazz) and 30% movies. My listening room is an open floor plan that measures 20'x 30' with 10' ceilings. Which one would offer a more "tube like" sound? Is the the D240 a significant upgrade over the 100.2 or is my dealer full of it? Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated!