Audio Research Ref75 se

all the amplifiers you are considering have a reputation as reliable. All come from long standing storied firms in the industry. w reputation for quality. A tube amp will wear out tubes eventually…and when tubes fail something has to give, typically a fuse. The ARC tend to use a sacrificial resistor on the amp because they feel fuses have a detrimental effect on sound quality. You can research this or talk w ARC owners, there are MANY on this site. 

jim

The Atlas is a Bad A amplifier and has two additional possible future upgrades thru the factory the Signature and Eclipse. All three superb and as you may know have a built in high pass filter compatible w Vandersteen powered bass models. 

Sunil at Sunny Components in W. Covina ( LA ) carries Vandy and Bryston. i have not heard this specific amp so i won’t risk my reputation, but i do use two 60 wpc Bryston monoblocks in a mobile recording rack with a variety of speakers and i can say neutral and VERY reliable.

I would also recommend IF you go solid state to listen to low or no global feedback amplifiers like Ayre, Simaudio Moon, Belles… also a typical brand carried by many Vandy dealers for a reason, along w Aesthetix.

Jim

Many Vandersteen dealers carry ARC…. for a reason. The REF75se is a superb amp and should you stay in the Vandy line will take you up to and especially suitable for Quattro ( because of the high pass and built in sub ). Depending on how old your 2’s are ( in continuous production AND improvement since 1977 ), you should consider the latest model, or as advised the more advanced Treo. I run the Treo CT with a 50 wpc tube amp and for a short time ran my 7’s with the 75 wpc ARC - definitely magic midrange. The Treo is an easier load than the II, but the II with acoustic coupler play lower but can reward a SS amp w better lower end control. The REF75 has excellent output transformers so it will also run the II well, within noted volume and room size constraints. You might want to join the Vandy owners forum on the Vandy site. There are many owners there, some w amps mentioned. You got good advice on visiting a dealer and listening to the combo. Rutan in NJ and Randy in Santa Monica both carry ARC and full line Vandy. Alan Jones at HiFi Buys Atlanta same. Think long term and the REF75se can anchor a state of the art system for many, many years.

best to you, enjoy the music and the journey 

Jim