Audio Research REF 75 vs VAC Phi 200

I haven't heard the VAC amps in my system, but I own the
REF 75. Don't judge the REF 75 until you change out the
tubes for KT 150's - available from Upscale Audio. While
the REF 75 is amazing with the stock KT 120's, it is in a
different league with the KT 150's. If you go with the KT
150's, you'll have to leave the top cover off of the amp
because the new tubes are a bit too high. Sounds better
with the cover off anyway, so ... so what?

My current system:
ARC REF-3 pre amp
ARC REF-75 amp
ARC PH-8 phono
ARC CD-7se
Well Tempered TT. Original issue and highly modified.
AT-0C9 MK III cartridge.
Speakers: Legacy Signature IIIs biwired with Cardas
binding posts.

Oregonpapa ... what is the ARC CD-7se? Are you referring to the CD-7 with the upgraded power supply: (1) 5881 tube and (1) 6H30 tube??

Glad to read that the KT-150s are working out. Still scratching my head about why ARC continues to hold back officially blessing the KT-150 for use in its current amp lineup.

Yeeesss .... I've read the hearsay reports that so and so at ARC said the KT-150 are ok. I want to see it come in writing from ARC. They've had that tube in life testing for two or three lifetimes already. I doubt this type of conduct would have happened under Mr. Johnson's watch.

I fully endorse Oregonpapa's comments on the ARC and KT150 tubes. I can not comment on the VAC, which is not imported to the UK, but the Ref 75 is by a big margin, the best amp I have had in my system, though it is the most expensive.

On the subject of pre-amps, I run mine with a clone of the Music First Audio Baby Reference and it is a great combination, a cleaner more neutral and less coloured sound than the ARC Ref 3 pre I compared it with.

Oregonpapa, I have read elsewhere that KT150's in the Ref 75 do NOT require the top to be left off. Can you clarify your comment? Are you saying the top won't go on due to tube height, or that you are not comfortable with proximity to the cover? On another forum, a member took temperatures on a Ref 75 cover with KT 120's and 150's and found them to be the same.
A lot of people who might try this tube may be disinclined due to a requirement to leave the top off, so please clarify. Thanks.

David12, I've never listened to a Ref75 but have read the glowing reviews.. You said it was the best amp by far in your system. By comparison can you tell us what other amps you've had that it bested? I'm trying to get a point of reference.