I've got to chime in on this one as I always wanted to get ARC again. Many years ago as a young man (I'm also now 56) I owned a D125 amp and SP9 pre and then an LS1 pre. Still have the LS1 as a back-up. It was the best sound I ever had with ML speakers. However, I always had a problem with the D125 tubes arcing and glowing bright red. Changed tubes, same result. Sent the unit back to ARC for a factory check. Came back, same result. I simply got frustrated and traded it for a D400. Well that was a mistake to me. I love the sound of tubes.
Which brings me to today at 56. And I'll qualify what I'm going to say by letting everyone know I have a mild high frequency hearing loss which is pretty typical at this age. I'm building my retirement system. I had all expectations of going back to what was the best sound I've had ever known which would be ARC and ML but my gosh has the cost of all high end sky rocketed! Not that I can't afford it but ultimately is it worth it? That was a decision I had to make.
I listened to the VSI 75 in 2 separate systems as I was in the market for an integrated. I was devastated when I walked out thinking that was no where near the sound of my D125. Now I know there are a lot of factors there but disappointment was present. So I knew I had to seek another integrated as is soon time for me to downsize not only my music system but also my living quarters.
I checked out the Rogers High Fidelity. Awesome sound but like the VSI75 somewhere around 8-9 grand. What do they say? C'mon Man! So like you, after reading all the glowing reviews on PL, especially the PL HP, I saw it at a dealer and took the plunge. This was a snap decision that I usually don't do. Build quality is incredible. As good as any ARC equipment in my opinion. The tube sockets are definitely better than anything I had in my D125 or even my preamps as those ARC tube sockets were part of the printed circuit board and the board flexed when changing tubes. That may have been a reason for the arcing tubes. A broken electrical path on a board. This may be different in todays ARC production units. But back to the HP, the controls are silky smooth. The remote a solid piece of aluminum. This unit will last me the rest of my life and at half the cost of others. The sound??? Well lets just say it puts a smile on my face with a beautiful midrange, wide soundstage and solid bass. And yes, I'm still breaking it in so I expect more from it. Am I pleased? Yes. Now if I want, I can afford to get some nice solid state equipment like the PS Audio Stellar series and play to my hearts content in retirement.
Which brings me to today at 56. And I'll qualify what I'm going to say by letting everyone know I have a mild high frequency hearing loss which is pretty typical at this age. I'm building my retirement system. I had all expectations of going back to what was the best sound I've had ever known which would be ARC and ML but my gosh has the cost of all high end sky rocketed! Not that I can't afford it but ultimately is it worth it? That was a decision I had to make.
I listened to the VSI 75 in 2 separate systems as I was in the market for an integrated. I was devastated when I walked out thinking that was no where near the sound of my D125. Now I know there are a lot of factors there but disappointment was present. So I knew I had to seek another integrated as is soon time for me to downsize not only my music system but also my living quarters.
I checked out the Rogers High Fidelity. Awesome sound but like the VSI75 somewhere around 8-9 grand. What do they say? C'mon Man! So like you, after reading all the glowing reviews on PL, especially the PL HP, I saw it at a dealer and took the plunge. This was a snap decision that I usually don't do. Build quality is incredible. As good as any ARC equipment in my opinion. The tube sockets are definitely better than anything I had in my D125 or even my preamps as those ARC tube sockets were part of the printed circuit board and the board flexed when changing tubes. That may have been a reason for the arcing tubes. A broken electrical path on a board. This may be different in todays ARC production units. But back to the HP, the controls are silky smooth. The remote a solid piece of aluminum. This unit will last me the rest of my life and at half the cost of others. The sound??? Well lets just say it puts a smile on my face with a beautiful midrange, wide soundstage and solid bass. And yes, I'm still breaking it in so I expect more from it. Am I pleased? Yes. Now if I want, I can afford to get some nice solid state equipment like the PS Audio Stellar series and play to my hearts content in retirement.