Audio Research VSi60 integrated reliability?

FWIW, I've had my ARC VS60 since Aug. 2010 (bought new; discontinued by ARC shortly thereafter). Basically the same unit as the VSi60, but it is not an integrated. No problems so far, knock on wood. I plan to replace the 6550's with the KT-120's when they approach the end of their useful life. Keep in mind that the Stereophile mishap happened on the test bench while being driven to levels approaching clipping.

Appreciate all the responses. My main concern was that ARC seemed to have more anecdotal evidence of reliability issues. Like I said, I don't mind the biasing, replacing tubes, general maintenance etc, but I don't want to have to deal with replacing resistors on more than one occasion to get my amp running. I've always enjoyed demoing tube gear, and always chose tube amps for guitars, but don't want to if I'm going to have to get warranty work done repeatedly.

I would not blame ARC but rather the tube manufactures. Quality is up and down. Since you have the choice of 6550's from Russia or China, I choose Russia. Tubes are not at all like transistors. Once a tube is on, it's going downhill. Some blame also goes to the consumer. When ARC says their output tubes are rated for 2000 hrs. they mean it. I can't tell you how many ARC amps I've seen that were abused. When your 2000 hrs are up that doesn't mean to wait till a tube arcs to replace them. It also doesn't mean if one tube fails, just replace that one tube. It also doesn't mean if the fuse blows, up-size the fuse. When you buy a Ferrari, don't put regular unleaded in it. Any tube amp from any manufacturer can arc a tube, it's the nature of the beast. Treat it well, and it will last many lifetimes. Abuse it, and it won't last long.

I've owned a VSI60 for over a year and it's an awesome sounding, reliable amp. I'd recommend it highly for it's price/performance - even better sounding with the new KT120 tubes.

There may be some tube amp companies that have reliability problems, but I don't think ARC is one of them. I've owned at least half a dozen ARC tube amps/preamps since 1978, including a VS55 and VSi60 currently, and I wouldn't keep buying their products if I had been experiencing problems with them. Yes, tubes have to be replaced, you have to make sure the bias is set correctly, and occasionally you may have to replace a resistor if you own the amp long enough, but this company did not gain its reputation by making unreliable products.