Amp suggestions for Audio Research LS-16

Audio Research VT100MK2 -- Stereophile Class A rated, reliable, and I have seen several on Audiogon at the $3K and below price point -- Highly recommended combination. I currently have the LS25 and VT100 combo and love it.

I have an ARC D-115 Mk2 and SP-8 with the NHT 2.5i's with the ARC tube ring dampers. I have seen a D-115 Mk2 on Audiogon but feels it is too high priced, the guy wants 1850.00. This is a superb 100 watt all tube amp that is about as musical as it gets. If you look you should be able to find one in excellent- mint for 1000-1200.00. I can't imagine approaching what this amp does for under 3-5K new. From sweet highs to well defined bass, it does it all very well and hasn't shown me any limitations yet, only my other ancilliary components have. The above combo with Harmonic Tech cables is the best I have heard this speaker and that includes with Krell amplification. With recent addition of the HT Pro 11 power cord from the processor to the pre-amp it has improved another notch. The high's have another layer of grain removed and the bass is much improved with added layering of the instruments. You have got to hear the D-115 Mk2, you can't go wrong for the money. Good luck E-mail if you have any questions, I have owned the 2.5i's for about 2.5 years and have gone through a lot getting the system the way it is on a relative budget.

I am not suggesting the D-115 Mk2 over the VT-100 Mk2 which I have also heard and is excellent and I am sure better overall than the D-115 though I can't say since I haven't heard them both in the same system. I am just suggesting the D-115 Mk2 as a less expensive alternative. The power storage on the VT-100 Mk2 is much greater so dynamics and noise floor should be a big improvement overall.

Tubegroover- How often do you need to replace the tubes in the D-115 Mk2? I was considering the VT-100 MkII, but was concerned with how often the tubes need replacing. Also how hot does the unit get? Thanks for all your suggestions.

In the VT series of Audio Research amps, they recommend to change tubes every 2000 hours. I listen to my system about 20 hours a week, and I saw tube life at about 2.5 years on my first set (more than 2000 hours). My second set is not near ready to be changed with over 1 year of use. As far as heat goes -- any 100W per channel tube amp is going to make some heat. My amp has 12 inches of space above it in an open rack and it is fine. The thing that hooked me on all of the ARC products I have owned are the reliability, audio performance, and factory support. ARC has any part for any piece of gear they have ever made -- and in the audiophile industry, there is only a handfull of manufacturers that can say that.