I have an ARC based two channel setup with LS25II, Ref. phono, and VT200 into Martin Logan Prodigy's. It sounds great to my ears, in fact I have not heard anything I have liked as well anywhere. My A/V system is Classe SSP-75 into Cav-150, it does music pretty well too, but of course cannot touch the ARC front end. I know I am comparing apples and oranges to some extent but IMHO the ARC tube gear simply sounds better in every way.
As for the LS 25II, I auditioned it against Audible Illusions, Sonic Frontiers, and Levinson. I much preferred the ARC's smoothness, lack of grain, and tonal balance to all others. I also like it becouse it is flexible but not overly complicated.
As for the LS 25II, I auditioned it against Audible Illusions, Sonic Frontiers, and Levinson. I much preferred the ARC's smoothness, lack of grain, and tonal balance to all others. I also like it becouse it is flexible but not overly complicated.