ARC SS amp vs tube - bass question

I have never made a head-to-head comparision of ARC SS to tube, so I can't answer your question directly, but I have always thought that ARC SS has been underrated, especially as a used buy in today's resale market. I ascribe this to the company having really last persued SS during a time when the big craze in SS sound was ultra-detail, and their brand of pleasantly listenable and quietly competent SS sonics didn't cut it anymore with the slam'n'transparency crowd in the 90's - besides of course being overshadowed, as ever, by their tube designs. So some of those amps are bargains for the money now, but I can't rate them against today's latest mid-priced SS competition or the newer entry-level ARC tubes.

I agree with Zaikesman. When I bought my ARC 100.2 amp I compared it to the VT100 mk2 tube amp. I prefered the 100.2 ss amp. It has a very liquid midrange and great bass. I felt that you got the benifits of the ARC tube amp without the excessive heat of the tubes, warm up time required with tubes, and expense of retubing. ARC ss amps are overlooked because they are known for their tube amps. The 100.2 is a real sleeper and they are not found on the used market very often. That is because the few people that discover them, love them!

I haven't heard the 100.2, but I have had extensive experience with the VT-100 MKII. The ARC does unbelievable bass -- much better than most tube amps that can be had for remotely near its price. Hard to believe you will find its bass performance unacceptable.

I have a ARC VT60 and an VTL ST-150 The ARC has good bass but the VTL Will blow you away in the Bass region. Overall the ARC is a hair more liquid and "real" than the VTL. But the ST-150 can Get the Led out! My choice (I hope to get ) is the VTL Signature 450. As long as your speakers aren't pigs the VT 100 is awesome. I use a Powered sub NHT Sub TWO with the VT-60 so I can play at near concert levels. I would suggest you step up to higher power or a powered sub if you are looking for "Who are you" concerts (PS get the MObile fidelity remaster Who are you) Solid state rocks too but it doesen't get you as close to the performer. BTW The Krell 350 Monos are one of the nicest SS Amps I have ever heard effortless !

Slowhand - I don't think so. Search the forums, and almost everyone agrees that the VT-100 is in another league from the 100.2. You can't compare apples with oranges.