Re Tubing Audio Research VT200

Thanks for your suggestion. I assume you never had any problems with the Tung Sol tubes in your VT100 MKII. I will keep your suggestion in mind, Thanks Dave

My VT200 has been retubed with EH KT88 and EH 6922
No problem detected so far (more than 500 Hours of use)
This choice has been done because the KT88 looks more reliable than 6550
ARCL60

When I had my VT200 I bought non ARC SED 6550's from a well known Canadian tube seller and found the pin diameter was slightly smaller than the ARC SED tubes. I had one arc, and it cost me $500 shipping plus repairs to send it back and forth with ARC. ARC does extensive burn in and matching on their tubes.
I did use the new issue Tungsols in a VT100 mk2 and found them reliable and good sounding. I also used SED KT88's in that amp without a problem.
The problem as you probably know with the VT200 is the HUGE power supply, which even though a dual mono design takes all the current from both channels through an arc'd tube, taking out a resistor and some traces. They make them that way for the best sound quality, but it is perilous to use questionable tubes.

Hi Dbarger,

What did the trace reapir cost, how long ago did you have it done. ARC wants almost $1800 for new tubes.

The repair was about $150 or so, if I remember correctly. The problem is shipping ($500 round trip), which must be on a common carrier. I had to take off work to meet it, and no carriers would insure it on the journey. The best bet is to have ARC arrange pickup and return. When I sold it, I had to use a Pack n Send type business because they would insure it, but no carriers would.