Knowing that interpretation of sound quality is a personal thing, I'll give my 2 cents here. I owned an LS 25, considered a mark II upgrade, but then a/b compared a MArk II, against the Ref 2 and a VAC renaisance. While the Ref 2 has sonic virtues over the LS 25, even with upgraded NOS tubes, the VAC literally outpeperformed the REF 2 in all categories. I have been a long time ARC fan (still am!), but there are formidible competitors with outstanding products!
