I had a VT200 with a tube arc, because I bought tubes from a seller other than ARC. It took out a resistor, but contrary to a previous poster, that repair is about $165. It is the shipping that is expensive on that amp.
Your friend's amp has obviously not been repaired at ARC if it has signs of previous issues. After ARC repairs an amp, there is NO sign that there was a problem. The board is clean, and the traces are redone as needed to make it like new. I would say your friend is going to an unreliable repair person. He should send it to ARC. I have also owned, besides the VT 200, a Vt100 mk2 and a mk3, and currently have a Ref 110. Preamps have included SP9's and Ref2 and currently Ref3. The only problem I have ever had was from replacing tubes in my VT200 from a Canadian tube company. ARC is very particular about the tubes it sells. Live and learn.
Your friend's amp has obviously not been repaired at ARC if it has signs of previous issues. After ARC repairs an amp, there is NO sign that there was a problem. The board is clean, and the traces are redone as needed to make it like new. I would say your friend is going to an unreliable repair person. He should send it to ARC. I have also owned, besides the VT 200, a Vt100 mk2 and a mk3, and currently have a Ref 110. Preamps have included SP9's and Ref2 and currently Ref3. The only problem I have ever had was from replacing tubes in my VT200 from a Canadian tube company. ARC is very particular about the tubes it sells. Live and learn.