Audio Research VSi60 int amp OR LS17+VS60

Actually if you don't at ear splitting levels the VS-60 should sound very nice. The four ohm tap on many ARC amps is where the feedback is taken and I would definitely use it. Ninety dB is very efficient and power output shouldn't be a problem. Since the VS-60 puts out I believe 60 WRMS across 8 ohms, if you were to find an amp with double the power output you would only pick up 3dB. More important is the current delivery of the amp as that will determine the bass impact/slam and transient performance. G

I found a VT100mkII (used), but I wanted a new linestage to be the center of my new tube-system, and therefore I bought the LS17, a combination I am very content with. Loudspeakers are Amphion Argon2 Anniversary and I also use the Cambridge 840C as digital source (tough I mostly listen to analogue sources). I don’t have any issue regarding power (100 wpc driving the loudspeakers at 87db into 7-8 ohm) almost the opposite, because I can only turn the power up to 4 or 5 of about 20 on the linestage (when playing analogue sources normal listning level is at 10 of 20). I’m sure the power from the VS60 would be sufficient for me (but I have not tried it), but I would miss the option to use balanced cabling very much (I’m using cables about 20’ long). My system is very open and revealing, but I found it quite bright in the beginning, and I had to experiment with different cables ending up using truthlink form Harmoninc Tech, before I got a revarding result.

I guess the VS60 would normally be sold with the SP17 preamp, none of them being balanced. The SP17L is listed for $3000 (on www.arcdb.ws) and the LS17 for $4000. Try to listen to this combination and compare them to the VSi60?

I own an Audio Research VSI 50 integrated which is the VSI 60's predecessor.

It sounds pretty powerfull for a 50 watter and is smooth with good bass. You could look up some reviews of the VSI 50 on the net to get an idea about the VSI 60.