ARC Amp Experts...


If you wouldn't mind, please share your opinions on the advantages/disadvantages between the Audio Research VS110(tubed) amp and the Audio Research 300.2(ss)amp.[--I've heard the VS110, but not the 300.2--]

Does the (relative) 'warmth' of the ARC tubed amp justify the power difference? (VS110=100wpc; 300.2=300 wpc) Or does the ARC solid state amp possess a warmth that most ss amps do not...Incidentally, both amps are similarly priced and either would suit my speakers...

I appreciate your (most valued) opinions-Thanks for your time!
sja

Showing 1 response by ghunter

I have a VS110 and am looking very carefully at the 300.2 to give me more power. The VS110 replaced the venerable Naim NAP 250 driving my Totem Hawks and bested the English offering in every way. The VS110 is a superb amplifier in every sense, and is a real bargain for what it does.

Since then I've moved and the system is in a different room, and I'm craving larger speakers and I don't think the VS110 can handle monsters like the B&W 802 or Totem Mani-2's. This has made me start thinking about swapping amps around, and the search for the 300.2 is what led me here.

Also note that the 300.2 is Class-T (digital switching) and will differ dramatically than the previous ARC solid state offerings.