Audio Research VSi60 integrated reliability?

ARC amps do not explode. Occasionally, if an output tube arcs, a resistor might blow which is what it is supposed to do.

I owned an ARC D125 that I bought used in the 90's that had an output tube internally short and the amp burst into flames rising up 6 inches above the amp which was destroyed. The dealer said he had 6 other customers with the same amp that used Chinese 6550's that also went down in flames. The driver and bias PC board was destroyed.

That's what I hear, postings that, no basically that's normal and part of the nature in owning tubes, and others that have experienced these issues themselves. Biasing an amp isn't much of an issue, just the thought of having to keep replacing resistors just to keep an amp running seems a bit much.

I admit to having an ARC bias (pun-LOL), but here is my experience. I've owned 2 ARC tube amps: the VS-110 and currently, the VS-115. Yes, it's true, on rare occassion (maybe twice), a power output tube arc'ed and took out a bias resister.

I'm fortunate to have an authorized ARC tech. service rep. who's shop is near my house and who also makes house calls. When my VS-115 blew a power tube and took out a bias resister, the tech came to my house and replaced the resister in 45 minutes. The repair was fully covered by the ARC warranty.

Look, tube amps on occassion blow power tubes and in some cases take out bias resisters. It goes with the territory. But I have never experienced an exploding amp problem. I may have read of one case on the Forum where an arc'ing tube did a lot of damage to an ARC amp, but not an explosion.

FWIW