Any Comparisons between VTL 7.5 & ARC Ref 3

Sherod, I am enjoying my Ref 3 immensely, no plans to jump on greener pastures even when I eventually found one . . . simply 0 budget for it. The only minor issue I can see with its tubed power supply is that the 6550C in it runs out of steam after 1200 hours of operation and needs to be replaced perhaps once a year or so. Dgad, you are absolutely correct, while I did have some slight reservations about the original VTL 7.5, the new series is a totally different kettle of fish. My friend PSCIALLI has purchased a 6.5 Mk 2, and it is. . . outlandishly wonderful. I cannot find in it any of the past issues as any of the gentling of transients I heard on the old 7.5. I can only guess that the new 7.5 would be an even more authoritative bigger brother of the 6.5 Mk. 2. If I find an audiophile in Austin (Tx) with the VTL 7.5 mk. 2, I will definitely try to arrange a get together of the local gang to listen to both units on the same system.

Guido,

Thank you. So to stay consistent 7.5 MkII it is. Either I sell mine & buy new or upgrade mine. Lets see.

Sounds like a perfect plan DGAD. When you get the new 7.5 Mk.2 and you break it in, please let us all know about the differences you perceive compared to the original model. Guido

Guido,
I'm curious if you've tried your friend, Pscialli's 6.5 Mk II in your system. That would be an interesting evening of listening after knowing what your Ref 3 sounds like.

Sherod, unfortunately a direct a/b session may be difficult. I live in Austin (Tx) and Pscialli's system is in Fairfax (Va). Taking my REF 3 along during one of my periodic visits is not feasible.