Opinions on ARC VS110/Ref110/VT100mkll/VTmklll

Gary (Hifigeek), as you may recall, I own the VS-115, w/ KT-120 tubes. Your comment about the Ref 110 fryed circuit board obviously concerns me. Is the VS-115 as susceptible to damage as the Ref 110? Also, any views on how close the VS-115 is to the Ref 110 sound quality-wise. My question is predicated on the thought that if I was to upgrade my amp, is it worth jumping to the Ref 110 or should I wait for the Ref 150s to hit the used market?

Bifwynne I can't answer that question. This amp had Winged C 6550's in it that were quite old. I am putting KT-120's in it once it's repaired. Regarding the Ref110, I would wait for a used Ref150.

Thanks Gary. Btw, have you had a chance to listen to the Ref 5 SE?? If so, any comments on sound quality? The comments on the Gon' say the SE is a major improvement over the Ref 5.

I've become a little skeptical since trading up to a PH-8 phono from the PH-7. ARC and others on the Gon' are of the view that the PH-8 is discernably better than the Ph-7. Ditto a while back re the Ref 5 versus the Ref 3. Been there and done it with the Ref 3 and 5 too. Are there improvements between the upgrades. Yeah, I suspose so. Are the differences day and night. No, IMHO anyway. Bruce

Maplegrove, another thought which may save you a grand is the VS-115. I've read that it's better sounding than the VT100 Mk III. OTOH, the VS-115 is not quite a REF 110. But I've also read member comments that say it's not that far behind, ergo Gary (Hifigeek) response about the wisdom of me upgrading to a REF 110 versus waiting for a used REF 150 to hit the market.

Any thoughts on a ARC preamp for these models ?