Best ARC tube amps for classical music?

You also may like Quicksiver amps. They have individually biased output tubes instead of "Exact" matched sets like most ARC amps. Matched output tube are a pain IMO. The D79 has individual bias but is old and rare.

Quicksilver has just as good a reputation as ARC.

All good preamp choices. I have owned an SP-8, SP-8 MKII and SP-11 MKII. I have intentionally stayed away from the SP-10 because of the high tube count.

The D-79B is an excellent amplifier. The only other choice may be Classic 120 monos. They are in the $3,000 price range like the D-79B.

ARC SP-8 MKII price range is $1,000 - $1,200. When properly tubed and in perfect working order the SP-8 MKII sounds like a one box version of an SP-10. It is ultra neutral and it has a terrific phono stage.

ARC SP-11 MKII price range is $2,000 - $2,500 depending on condition.

Axtl,
I would recommend an ARC D70. Either a mk1 or maybe a little better, a Mk2.
I listen to this amp with Sonus Faber Guarneri's and it is a great match up;excelling on classical and jazz.
The D-70 can also be had for what is IMHO a steal of a price nowadays.
The D-70 will also work well with either an SP-8 or10...my preference is for the SP-10Mk2. Although, I agree that this pre-amp is more costly to run.

Thanks a lot for all replies.
I am after ARC equipment since in Scandinavia ARC tube amps are quite commonly used with Sonab and Carlsson loadspeakers

What do you think of D 90?