Easier maintenance ARCVT100mkII or VTL mb125

I own the VTL MB-185's. Biasing of the output tubes is accomplished via individual trimpots accessible through the top panel once the tube cage is removed, and adjusted using a narrow flathead screwdriver. Each trimpot is associated with its own meter probe receptacle, the other probe being attached to the 'negative' speaker terminal. The only difficulties, if you want to call them that, are that you must own or purchase an appropriate multimeter (selection guidance is given in the manual), and the trimpots themselves tend to be quite touchy, responding somewhat imprecisely to very small turns. I've used easier (Conrad-Johnson), but there should be no problem doing this operation yourself. As far as retubing goes, VTL runs the tubes conservatively and they should last a long time as a consequence. Tube types are not exotic, rare, or overly expensive, though as usual, expect to pay a premium if you choose to retube through the manufacturer instead of buying from a tube retailing specialist.

What fantastic responses from all!!! I thank you for your input and advice. It seems a lot of people own the ARC amps and have mixed reviews regarding their upkeep. Although I've contacted a couple of people with the VTL's they seem a little more staight forward and user friendly. I will check out the "Collins" website that everyone suggested and make sure. Unfortunatly there are no AR/VTL/Rogue dealerships in the local so I cannot hear them to make personal judgements. Therefore I must rely on fellow Audiogoner's for their input. Thanks a bunch

Alun

All of the above notwithstanding, I'm pretty sure the biggest deciding difference between your contenders will be sound, not maintainance. Search the Audiogon archives for more - related questions have been asked before.

That is true Zaikesman, but I don't want to have to be sending a 100lb amp back to the manuf. every couple of years. Hopefully I will be able to find some balance between the two, sound and servicablility.
Thank you for all of the responses

I have the MB-125's and the biasing procedure is exactly as Zaikesman has described. Straightforward, easy to do, not particularly time consuming, and except for the one time cost of a $20 - $40 meter (mine's from Radio Shack and works like a charm), it's a no brainer. The replacement tubes are reasonable (your favorite brand of El-34's) and once you set the bias there's rarely much drift if any for long periods. - I check mine about once a month or so... and usually find just the slightest of drift now and then which takes a brief moment to "touch up". It's a beautiful thing. By the way, the amps themselves (besides being a DELIGHT to own) are absolutely wonderful. I've already mentioned their ease of use, the reliability has been exemplary (no problems at all in almost 3 years of use) and the sound IS fantastic. 3D like only tubes can really do, dimensionality, finesse and upper extension but with a bass control that not only belies tubes but sounds way more potent than 125 wpc ever had the right to. Throw in the tetrode/triode switch for whatever music delivery suits your mood or listening choices for the particular session.... and the only thing I'll ever consider trading mine in for would be a move to a much bigger room and the need for even more power. The MB 450's are on my long term wish list. Anyway, I'm gushing here and that's not what you were asking about but, nothing against ARC at all, the VTL's really do "make tubes user friendly", and well worth doing. Good luck.