ARC-Ref210 vs ARC-Ref610T at medium levels ??

My opinion is not to get the big amps unless you really, REALLY, R-E-A-L-L-Y need the power. The cost difference would be much better spent on a Tripoint Troy, great power cables, and a great preamp. These supplementary components would give you far greater benefit. Many people over spend on a single component and do not optimize. Plus, all those tubes are a big can of worms.

I actually owned the 610t's and Ref600 MK2's paired up ARC REF3 pre driving Avalon Isis, I also had VTL 750's in that same system paired up with a 7.5 pre.

I have heard the 210's but never in my own set-up.

I enjoyed all the above pces mentioned and never had any issues.

You are going to have hear for your self to decide but what I liked was when listening with any of those amps I mentioned when there were swings "dynamics etc. even when listening at lower volumns always offered the effect of startling you" Tubes are different than solid state and will come down to a personal preference, yes tubes are more maintenace but can offer you sonics that no solid state amp I have had in my set-up or heard offer such.

I'm personally looking forward to hearing the VAC Statement 450 mono's paired up with my MBL's.

Hi Dev, did you order the new VAC amp? Does the siren song of a mega tube amp beckon once again?

Hi Tdaudio,
thanks for your input. You are right - so many tubes are a heating source. Since my listening room is downstaires in the basement it tends to be (too) cool anyway, so a few degrees more might be welcome... Nevertheless for all the other reasons I tend to go for the 210 anyway, accepting that the 610 might be slightly better,
as long as they are not dramatically better (especially at low/medium levels). But I will check Dave's opinion on that topic as well.

Hi Dev,
thanks as well for sharing your personal experience. It is good to hear that all these components are great (and reliable). This is why I am stuck with ARC - I like the sound, and all pieces I have owned during the upgrade cycles have been really good - and I too never had any issue with one of them. The only question remaining is: which one is best? I have a Ref-5 preamp at home since last weekend and could compare it with my Ref-2MkII in identical environments. And although the Ref-5 is clearly the better one, I have to admit the also the Ref2 is a
really great preamp still!

Hi Rtn1, yes I have been so smitten with my Vac pre over any others I have owned or had in my set-up that these darn amps have been on my mind constantly. The issue being the crazy list price of addmision 72K and not being able to hear prior along with the waiting periode due to the work to manufacture such one you commit. Time being given, next year late Feb. so we will see. I read you went from the big Karan mono's to the Pass and are now in the mode of cable exspearimentation.

Hi Ozatschek, I also enjoy ARC. I actually owned the same pre Ref-2 MK2 for many years and enjoyed it but then moved onto the Ref3 which I owned for many years also,at one point I compared the Ref5 to the Ref3 and the Ref3 was the sweethart of the deal. Pairing up the the Ref5 with either amps you mention would be most interesting but when I owned the 600 MK2's they are big and I found it nicer having the 610T's being a tower design, my preference between the two and the tubes being exsposed allowed for better ventilation. If you could read into my thoughts I feel it's like driving a car which has lots of power on tap and when called for it's there, you are cruzing arround effortlessly and when you push the pedal down look out, to me it's like listening to music it's so effortless and over all just sounds more relaxed, better flow working better.
But in the end it will be your choice so enjoy your journey.