Realistic sound = tubes and analogue

[E-Stat]

More expensive does not always equal better (in sound or in wines). For example, check out RJR's review of the ARVSi60 integrated amp ($4,000) in the Sept Stereophile. He owns the AR Reference 110 ($10,000), and seemed to prefer the sound of the $4,000 unit in the bass:

And yet elsewhere, he commented that the ARC / Not-ARC combo retrieved more detail, low level dynamics and ambience. Regardless, it makes perfect sense that the two current product ARC products using similiar topologies, active devices (JFETs, 6H30 tubes) and passive parts would sound similar. Further, the VSi60 has a very appealing attribute that I find improves resolution in my system: a passive line level section. I'm not exactly sure, however, what this conversation has to do with comparing either current production model to that of nearly thirty years ago.

I check out the "latest and greatest" gear at audio stores several times a year, and I don't hear any sigificant improvement over my system.

I'm glad you're happy. Others, however, have found that the past three decades in electronics development have not stood still.

rw