BAT VK50SE vs CJ 16LS vs ARC 25mrk II/Ref2

I have a CJ 16ls II and it is simply amazing. BAT makes very good equipment as well; can't speak for ARC.

Chuck

You might want to consider a Pass X1 or the like. Warm, transparent, no maintenance hassles, and as low a noise floor as you can think of.

I have heard both the CJ and ARC. I find the ARC to have the blackest background, but a bit sterile. The CJ 16LS is very warm and engaging. BTW, I own the Pass X1. Chose it over the CJ and the ARC. It is as Ivanj describes. Warm and very transparent. It does not possess the excess of harmonics generally produced by tubes, that causes all instruments to bloom whether they should or not.

It is easy to find CJ and ARC to audition. Very difficult to find the X1.

Do you like chocolate or vanilla? This is a very personal thing but I think you would be happier in the long run with ARC because it's more revealing and somewhat more truthful but I've had CJ and it's a stellar product, sooooo musical and satisfying. Good luck!