Audio Research VTM 120 .......any experience?

I have owned ARC amps for the last 20 years. I currently own both a V70 and a VT100 MK3. The VTM 120s were not one of ARC's best efforts. If I was going to pick an amp from around that period it would be either the VT130 or the VT150 monos. I bought my V70 as a demo and at that time compared it to both the then current VT-60 and VTM-120s. There was really just no contest, the V70 was better in every way.

You might want to also consider the earlier Classic/V series amps or the later VT100 MK1 or 2. IMHO any of these would be much better choices. I own a pair of ML SL3s and my VT100 is a real nice match with them.

I owned the VTM-120 mono's a few years back. I used them with several speaker types including Martin Logan SL3's and then VonSchweikert VR2's.

I have to agree with Lostbears that they were not the best sounding amps. IMO they were rather dry sounding and un-involving on either speaker. These were not the SE editions. I used the stock ARC supplied 6550's..

If you already have the ML Ascents, Id look to pair it with a beefy SS amp, or big tube watts from something such as the VTL 450 Signature Mono's.which would be excellent.

Thanks guys....I really appreciate the input.....I had a Pass x250 that I recentley had to sell due to some unexpected medical bills, and was looking for a temporary replacement...but think Ill keep looking...
BTW......gorgeous system Kehut!

I own VTM SE's with Infinicaps. I use the amps with the Vandersteen 5's. They sound better than the VT 130SE but not the VT 150SE's. I consider the VTM 120's a steal at the price they are cirrently selling for. They were close to 5K new. They are worth your time and effort to find.