ARC Ref 3 or VTL 6.5?

I don't know when they did the update but it is very recent. See my post on the 7.5 update. Same applies to the 6.5. I would stay VTL the whole way through since you have the amps. I am sure the update is expensive. Call them & let me know what they charge you.

It looks like all new VTL 6.5 are born with the update. According to Bea at VTL, Dr. Scialli's device, which came out of the furnace in April, already was born with the new circuitry.

Don't you love how much great product is available today? Also the value of some of the 2nd from top equipment that receive trickle down technology is incredible. It can often be a waiting game to get the technology in a lower priced package. No one can truly proclaim a best, but they can make a recommendation for best value.

Right on Dgad!

The ARC is a stunningly good preamp! On top of that, I have found that VTL has awful customer service. G. Garfield