what ARC combo- Ref 1/Ref 110 or Ref 3/VT 100 MK3?

Get the Ref3 no matter what....you can always upgrade the amp. The Ref3 is a monster.

IMO LS-26/Ref 110 is the way to go. The LS26 is close enough in performance to Ref 3 to consider it as an option on a limited budget. I'm Ref 3/Ref 110 owner.

If you are building a system then I'd say get the better, more neutral pre-amp first. Ref3 is ok..

I was able to sound test the ARC LS26/REF 110 combo. It was vey good. In the end, however, I thought the REF 3 with my solid state amp offered the most bag for the buck for the cost. The REF 3 is so good. It really makes a huge difference in a system more so than the amp in my opinion. Depth, soundstage, etc.. all those terms we know of. I have since upgrade my amp to the REF 110. I am very happy with it.

Thanks everyone- sounds like the preamp upgrade is the winner, and Ref 3 in particular a solid bet.