ARC Reference 110 vs older ARC amps eg VT150

I respectfully disagree with Nsgarch. The VT150 was very impressive in its day, but ARC has surpassed its sound with many amplifier models since.

The VT100mkII and VT200 (very similar designs) are faster, tighter, and more extended. The next generation VT100mkIII and VT200mkII are even better sounding still, with improved detail, high frequency refinement and openness.

The REF110 is in another league still. It is much more transparent than any of these amps and has a more liquid, open, grain-free presentation. It is also more dynamically free and effortless sounding.

Hearing the VT150 today after being spoiled by 4 generations of newer ARC amps leaves it sounding a bit veiled, slightly grainy, a little soft, overly round generally, and tubby and less extended in the bass by comparison. That's not to say that the 150 is without its own charm, it's still a very special amp compared to many others. But with that charm comes with significant coloration, lack of control and loss in transparency by today's standards.

This wouldn't be as important to someone who is used to more colored tube sound or older gear generally, but the original poster is already spoiled by his current LS26 preamp, which is very similar in terms of character and transparency to the REF110...and very different sounding from the older VT150.

I'm an ARC dealer

Mick, there are two, beautiful VT130SE's for sale here, both for $3700. I'd buy the one in Pasadena, because it will probably cost less to ship.

If you want some other points of view ;-)) search VT130 on the amp and tube forums at Audio Asylum too.

What about the ARC VS110? How does that compare with the VTs and the Reference 110.

According to some, the VS series was a 'budget' version of the VT series. So if you're on a budget, why not give it a listen?

The VS110 is ARC's entry level, unbalanced 100 watt tube amplifier. It is virtually identical sounding to the smaller VS55 aside from power.