ARC Ref-300 or 600 or 210: Which sounds best ?

Do you need the extra power of the Ref 600? That is a lot of tubes and a lot of heat. If not I would tend more toward the Ref 300 or 210 amps. I have not heard the Ref 300s in a while and never side by side with the Ref 210s. I have listened to the Ref 210s and the Ref 110 quite a bit. I own a Ref 110. If it were me I would probably choose the Ref 210s. I don't like power tubes mounted horizontally like in the Ref 300s and 600s.

All in all I chose the Ref 110 for myself because I did not really need the extra power of the 210s. The extra tubes, heat, and digital display were not worth the the slight difference in the sound to me. But both are great amps and I would say much better than your current amp. I am not a big fan of Audio Research Amps of that period. Though the VT150 is one of the better ones.

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I'm envious, that Ref5 will change your life.
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Hi, thanks for all your posts.
@Macdadtexas: I agree, they all sound well!
@Mitch4t: I got a Ref5 for testing today, will listen
extensivly next weekend. The dealer promised that the
difference to the Ref2MkII is huge!
@Lostbears: I do like the VT150s, but usually newer ARC equipment is better equipment...
No, I dont need the power of the 600s.
Did you ever have a chance to listen to 300s or 600s (even if not side-by-side with the 210s?
I am just curious if the extra power generally improves the sound, also at lower listening levels?
I am looking for the best sound - if that means more tubes and heat, it is ok as well...
Thanks very much!

I wish I had the Ref 110. I hope I get enough money to buy one before they end production. But then I need to get a balanced preamp too....

Where does the vs115 fall into the category ?
Is the vs115 close to the sound of the Ref 110 ?
Is arc pre-amp necessary to get the most out of these amps ?