VTL Siefried vs Audio Research 610T

it took about 200 hrs before they fully broke in IMO...but, they sound pretty decent after 50 hours.

I have ~ 250h on both Ref 3 and Ref 110, and the amps are still changing (for the better). I would say, that the first 150 hours are crucial. If you have any more questions pls send me a PM or post them in my "system" thread.

"Dave Wilson is running Siegfrieds with Alexandrias in his home. AFAIK his previous amps were Lamm ML2.1. Call John at Wilson Audio and ask - he knows David's sytem very well."

that's correct ....BTW, they still use the Lamm ML 2.1 in the sound room at Wilson Audio.

I owned the precursor of the ARC 610T ( the Ref 600 Mk lll) which was a very good amp but IMHO the Lamm ML 2.1 is a better amp. I had the 610T on oreder until I heard the Lamm 2.1 and I was smitten. The mid range and upper end is so much better than the ARC ( I still have an ARC Ref 3 which I feel is the best preamp on the planet).

As for the Lamm ML 2.1 I have now the distinct privilege of having heard his new ML 3 which makes the Ref 610T, Sigfrid and my ML 2.1 look like mere pretenders to the throne. My close friend has a pair in his home for loan from Vladimir and I will have the opportunity to play them this week in my system which also consists of X-2 Alexandrias. Stay tuned

BTW to the original poster the ML 2.1 with the MAXX ll sounds superb.
Have a read of Marc Mickelson's review of these amps with his Maxx ll's

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/lamm_ml21_followup.htm

Elberoth2,
With regards to the original thread question and my answer, my affiliation had _nothing_ to do with my opinion. I simply shared first hand experiences that were in no way related to our business. In threads involving our products, I contribute merely to correct misstated facts or false assumptions, and _always_ announce my position. Your comment implies some furtive motive or thread sabotage. I can't imagine why you saw that as somehow relevant enough to bring up here.

Wow, Samuel, relax. I have no intention whatsoever to imply anything, apart from the fact, that you prolly use Shunyata cables beeing a Shunyata emploee.

You guys make great products (I'm using Anaconda Helix Alpha PCs myself) and that is why I brought up the Shunyata Orion cable as an alternative to the Everest that both Jon and I use.

Cheers and Marry Christmas !