If you had to start all over again in this day and age

@aero222  MY BAD!  Clearly misinterpreted your post--glad to hear that the products have improved.  Obviously, I have not had an opportunity to hear their new stuff.  The D-150 was the last big thing I heard from them and it was outstanding...I would buy one today if they were not so old. and unavailable!

As for the newer gear, I recently got an SP-6 preamp--old, yes, but it is new to my system and it is wonderful!  Looking for a used ARC amp, but found out from ARC that many older ones are no longer eligible for service, so I am looking carefully.  Wish I could buy one of the pairs of $17,000 (used) 600's now being advertised around...oh, well, something will show up eventually that is in my price range..

Thanks for straightening me out on this.

Cheers!

...  turntable, CD transport, streamer, top-of-the-line Integrasteds (1 tube, 1 hybrid, 1 SS), Totem Mani ll bookshelfs bi- wired with really solid stands

Its only been a few months for me since I started acquiring higher end equipment, but the only “what if?” feeling I have had was over the purchase of speakers.  I didn’t know when I started that Martin Logan made their name with electrostatic speakers, and I bought their 60XT’s.  Then, some weeks ago I saw a pair of used ML electrostatics for sale at $1500 (less then what I paid for the 60XT’s). I thought that it might have been better if I would have purchased the electrostats instead.  But then I recalled that those speakers need to be positioned out into the room to get the best sound, and space is my biggest limitation.  So, I think I am better off with what I have.

richop
Coupled with your ARC pre, I believe you’d be tickled pink with their Ref 150 se. Very reasonable used.

Also, their all in one Gsi75 is no slouch either if you wanted a one box solution. As neutral as the 150 and can deliver the crystalline highs I like without being cold, thin or "whiteish". Can find these used once in  awhile.

Now all of my blather is based on if your tastes run as mine do as described in an earlier post. In short, I'm not into "beautiful sounding" as I am into "reality" sounding. I would say the "bloom" of the old ARC stuff is about gone nowadays and you would be disappointed if your tastes still run in that direction.