The Audio Research Database - ARCDB - a tribute to Audio Research Corporation (ARC)

[joeinid]

I found this site very interesting and thought I'd share. I hope it's new to many .... sorry if it's been posted before.

ARCDB - The Audio Research Database - The unofficial & unauthorized source for ARC information

[gtubes]

Created by enthusiasts I think, I have referred to it for specs etc for several years now. My LS8mkII was purchased based on my research from this site actually.

[cmalak]

Yep...you can usually get snapshot previews of rudimentary specs and photographs of new products being launched here before the official description/specs etc...get posted on teh Audio Research site.

[Tonepub]

Great site.... I often refer to it.

[joeinid]

I found out from that site that the VS60 is discontinued with no replacement planned. I also found out that the VSi60 has no provision to bypass the pre or gain stage allowing it to be used an amp only. Darn it! Why do I find out about stuff late? Oh well.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I found out from that site that the VS60 is discontinued with no replacement planned. I also found out that the VSi60 has no provision to bypass the pre or gain stage allowing it to be used an amp only. Darn it! Why do I find out about stuff late? Oh well.

Joe...did you order the VSi60? If it hasn't been shipped to you and it doesn't fit the bill because you can't bypass the preamp stage, just tell your dealer that it needs to be returned because you can't use it as you intended to as a stand-alone power amp with your existing preamp. Shouldn't be a problem especially if the order is still being processed and it hasn't shipped. Even if it has been shipped they should be able ot return it since the box is unopened. You may be out the return shipping charges and that's it.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Joe...did you order the VSi60? If it hasn't been shipped to you and it doesn't fit the bill because you can't bypass the preamp stage, just tell your dealer that it needs to be returned because you can't use it as you intended to as a stand-alone power amp with your existing preamp. Shouldn't be a problem especially if the order is still being processed and it hasn't shipped. Even if it has been shipped they should be able ot return it since the box is unopened. You may be out the return shipping charges and that's it.

Not yet Cyril. I'm not really sure which way to go. I read the VSi60 can not be used as a stand-alone power amp. You can't bypass the preamp section. Normally that would not be a deal breaker, but most of my sources have xlr's only (I don't like adapters) and my preamp (which I just bought) has both rca and xlr outs. I was thinking of tracking down a new VS60 from someone's stock, but then I walk myself up the ladder. The VS115 looks nice, has xlr inputs and certainly has more power than I need. But then I thought, just get the MC275 and be done with it.

I understand there is supposed to be an undeniable synergy with my speakers and the VS60/VSi60 that has me intrigued. If I can find a good deal on a VS60/VSi60 I might go for it.

ps. I don't care for my local ARC dealer which doesn't help.

.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Not yet Cyril. I'm not really sure which way to go. I read the VSi60 can not be used as a stand-alone power amp. You can't bypass the preamp section. Normally that would not be a deal breaker, but most of my sources have xlr's only (I don't like adapters) and my preamp (which I just bought) has both rca and xlr outs. I was thinking of tracking down a new VS60 from someone's stock, but then I walk myself up the ladder. The VS115 looks nice, has xlr inputs and certainly has more power than I need. But then I thought, just get the MC275 and be done with it.

I understand there is supposed to be an undeniable synergy with my speakers and the VS60/VSi60 that has me intrigued. If I can find a good deal on a VS60/VSi60 I might go for it.

ps. I don't care for my local ARC dealer which doesn't help.

.

Got it. NOLA certainly likes to show their speakers with ARC gear...that's for sure but of course that does not mean that that is the only option. Can you try out the MC275 amp with your speakers (home audition that is)? It will certainly be synergistic with your C2300 pre and should be able to drive your speakers no problem. You may find it to be a killer combo . I know there are VS-115s that come up on Agon every once in a while but with tube power amps, I would only buy from Agon if the seller is willing to send the amp to Audio Research for a full check up and contingent on it being ok, would then pull the trigger. Not many sellers will be willing to do that. Good luck whichever way you go.

[joeinid]

Hi Cyril,

I just found out I can get a decent deal on a new VS60 or VS115. Now I'm really confused. Have you heard either one?

Joe

[cmalak]

Joe I have not heard either amp. The VS-115 is very close to my ARC Ref 110s which I obviously like a lot. My dealer says they deliver 85-90% of the Ref 110s performance at 60% of the cost I believe ($6K list...right?). I think the two amps are voiced very similarly and one of the main differences is a bit more robust power supply in the Ref 110 which will give you a bit more dynamic headroom and some of the parts used are a bit better but nothing major. I think I wrote in another thread you posted a description of the sonics of the Ref 110. The VS60 is for all intents and purposes a VSi60 without the preamp. So I would assume it sounds identical to the VSi60. I also posted the VSi60 Stereophile review in the thread where you asked about the VS60 and VSi60 vs the MC275. That review by Robert Baird I think does a good job of describing the sonics of that amp. Can you audition either amp at home? How about a MC275?

Good luck Joe.