They don't make them like they used to...

While "vintage" doesn't seem quite appropriate for a ten year old product, I think the point is there appears to be a regression in sound. Newer gear doesn't sound as musical. I'm sure there are some folks that will say the "musical" piece is the one that is departing more from absolute neutrality, but this has been the arguement for tubes all along. They don't measure real well but they sure do convey the music. One point the Jafox makes that I would not agree with is "The ARC Classic series amps were so very analytical, uninvolving and downright fatiguing." He may feel this way but I sure don't. I have a Classic 60 and in no way would I say that it is fatiguing. I certainly won't say it's the best (since I haven't compared to many other amps, including the VT-130 which may be much better) but I sure could find many other amps (think solid state) that are far more fatiguing than the Classic 60. As alwyas, beauty is in the ear of the listener!

John - Even based on your own experience I still can't agree that the Classic series is as analytical, uninvolving and downright fatiguing as you say they are. My system (Vandersteen 3A Signatures/ARC LS25MkII/Aries Extended/ARC PH2/Phillips 963) is not analytical or fatiguing, perhaps it could use some help in the involving department, though that is more of a room issue for me (too small, not enough room treatment). At this point we'll just agree to disagree, mainly since I have not heard the VT130 I cannot comment on that. If it is as good as you say then I've been missing a lot. I'll have to keep my eye out for one!