I think gdnrbob gave you excellent advice in several of his posts. I think you are wise to have sent the ARC 100.2 back for a checkup (definitely a benefit of owning ARC gear) and agree with his suggestion that you test it and the Bryson amp with your much envied Quattro CT speakers. I have a certain bias in that I have the 100.2 amp paired with a Reference 3 preamp. I have been very happy with my choice of electronics, which I purchased on Audiogon about 3.5 years ago from a Soundstage reviewer. I am a fan of the ARC sound and service, but am perturbed by their evolutionary versus revolutionary approach to product release. And it seems to be perpetuated by reviewers who hail them as a " significant" advance, and further our affliction with upgraditis. While your LS-15 may LOOK "a bit long in the tooth", it may yet yield the end result we all hope for ... great sound resulting in long listening sessions.
As an aside, I bought my ARC gear after buying a new pair of Focal 1007 Be speakers with a screaming deal through Music Direct. I am now entertaining changing them to Vandersteen Treo CT or Quattro CT speakers. If I go forward with this choice, and I am not satisfied with the SPLs and dynamics of the 100.2, then I would likely look to an Ayre amplifier, or the Rogue M-180 mono blocks, based in part on what I've learned through this excellent forum. I am VERY interested in learning your review of the Quattro's with your current amps.
Happy listening!!!
As an aside, I bought my ARC gear after buying a new pair of Focal 1007 Be speakers with a screaming deal through Music Direct. I am now entertaining changing them to Vandersteen Treo CT or Quattro CT speakers. If I go forward with this choice, and I am not satisfied with the SPLs and dynamics of the 100.2, then I would likely look to an Ayre amplifier, or the Rogue M-180 mono blocks, based in part on what I've learned through this excellent forum. I am VERY interested in learning your review of the Quattro's with your current amps.
Happy listening!!!