Price Paid:  $4350.00 from Audio Solution

Summary:
I have owned this amp for 4 years. All I can say is it is an incredible amp. It is very transparent and detailed without losing music. I used to own several different amps, but none of them can compete VT100 MK-II. I pair it with ARC LS-15 and Thiel CS2.3s, and found that it is an excellent audio system. I also use it to drive Rogers LS3/5A. It really makes the speakers disappear. No doubt about it, ARC VT100 MK-II deserves 5 starts all around. Highly recommended. James

Strengths:
Detail, tranparent, bass definition, musical.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
ARC 100.2

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This VT-100 is my first tube amp;it is paired with an ARC LS-2B.Both has been buy used & represent a big improvement over my Conrad Johnson PV-10A & Odissey stratos.The sound of the VT-100 bring some kind of magic to the music!The voices are amazing without the SS effect. On a technical point of view this amp is VERY WELL built but huge & HEAVY!Ventilation is very important because it is running hot.A good PC is recommend & a dedicated electrical line.Do not plug this amp in any A/C line cond.this will affect the performance. Of course you have to used it with quality inter. & speaker cables for best results.The balanced mode is better than single end & improved the 3D image.

Strengths:
Sound,built quality & ARC support.Very powerful for the 2x100 WRMS rating

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $2500.00 from Audio Review Classif

Summary:
My first time going down the tube amplifier route. I was using the Bryston 4B-ST amplifier for five years. With that said I wish I could have that listening time back using the ARC VT 100 mkII. The Bryston did a fine job and it had the ability to fill the room with sound. From dropping down to 100 watts per channel from 250 watts that the Bryston offered has not been a problem. The sound now is very smooth and makes my speakers disappear. Many people have the fear of tube amplifiers and the maintence that is required to keep them working,this is an over exageration for the units. I found a tube store in Chicago that sold me all the same tubes for this amplifier for $307.00 including shipping, not bad compared to the price from Audio Research that would cost $900.00 with shipping. I even found a web site that has photographs of retubing the amplifier. That made the job much easier when I could visually see where to place my Ohm meter connections and not to question myself. But back to the sound of this amp,it does wonders on vocals on maybe it is me but I hear a better bass response with the audio Research compared to the Bryston amplifier. The tube life is around 2000 hours ( if you listen to your stereo for 4 hours a week as I do then you should have close to 9 years of tube life) My setup 1. Speakers Proac 3.8 Response 2. Preamplifier Audio Research Reference 1 3. Amplifier Audio Research VT 100 mk II 4. CD player Classe CDP.3 5. Cables MIT Terminator 2 Biwire speaker and Terminator proline XLR component connectors 6 Power conditioner Monster HTS 1000

Strengths:
Makes the speakers disappear, sounds great on vocals.It sounds great and I can''t see myself going back to a solid state amplifier.

Weaknesses:
Large in size and it does need ventilation. I put a small variable speed chasis fan on top for better ventilation .

Similar Products Used:
Bryston 4B-ST, Belles 350a

Price Paid:  $2700.00 from Audio Dealer

Summary:
I just got this amp and had to write my first impressions about it.

This is a fabulous sounding amp. It has taken my system to the next level. It is a pleasure to listen to. I am not much for writing alot - I am enjoying this amp so much that I wanted to jump on here and share my experience.

If you get a chance to buy this amp, go for it.

Strengths:
Full and rich sound with very fine detail. Large soundstage with pinpoint 3 dimensional imageing.

Weaknesses:
None that I can find.

Summary:
Better than I expected even read many nice reviews. Other tube amps have nice warm sound and good for some old jazz vocal. But this VT100 has a huge soundstage and it really make orchestra shine. All big symphonies sound as magnificent as they can be, which, I think, outbeat other tube gears at the same price range. Resonance of harp or guitar is the best I ever heard. Don't think it is good for classical music only. I can dance with pop music on this baby too. I put VDH cable (Reval.) for Jazz, with this cable, you are going to get the usual warm mid freq out of this tube amp. For orchestra, I double audioquest (argent+midnight), and they put me into a symphony hall directly. Of couse you need good souces for this amp but not my topic. Above set is for dynamic speakers. For other types of speakers, setup may be different. But I am not a fan of ML or Magg so....

I seldom put review on internet but this VT100 MKII definitely deserves to share with other audio fan. Life-time keeper!

Strengths:
Musical, life feeling

Weaknesses:
Not good looking enough for my lady.

Similar Products Used:
CJ, VAL, ARC's ss, ....