Audio Research or Macintosh?

arc more linear more transparent

mac more overtly tubey, somewhat rolled highs fatter midrange and mid bass

both will image well, wide tall and deep

The ARC is so neutral that I have a tough time recommending it.  I mean, why go with tubes if it's going to sound warm, neutral and very close to say a Parasound?

It sounds great, but.... I'd rather have that in SS. 

I haven't heard Mc in a very long time. 

while i do share some of eriksquire’s sentiments about audio research tube amplification, i would also say that no one with decent hearing would mistake the sound of an audio research vsi-75 with a modern solid state amp of the same price range