AUDIO RESEARCH VS VTL

I would look at Manley and Atmosphere for moderate pricing as well as value.
VAC is the most sought after US company I think. The owner is a 2nd generation
hail fellow well met person who exudes credibility. 

You want great sound, reliability,  and great customer service?   Quicksilver Audio make great sounding no frills gear .....   

Quicksilver is midfi. Not knocking it. Well made and has a huge following.  But Quicksilver gear sounds like grandpa's old tube amp. 

I am strating to realize that VAC is the king of tube amplification. Solid customer service, great sound, great build quality, and very sought after.  VTL died when David Manley died or sold it to his son Luke. Horrible customer service with VTL.  ARC, is like the McIntosh of tube amps, big name but just ok sound.