Hello whiskeypirate, IMHO your question is legitimate and the answer is I would make the switch to the KT120’s in a heartbeat! I own a VS-115 with KT120’s now but when I first purchased the VS it came with 6550’s (before ARC acknowledged it was ok to go to KT120’s). It was my first tube amp and I thought it was great with 6550’s till I upgraded to the KT120’s! The 120’s provided more punch, dynamics, bass grip, extension, sweetness and was a great all around improvement.
I recently upgraded to ARC Ref210 mono blocs with KT88’s and 6550’drivers and during new tube break-in was about ready to sell the 210’s and go back to the VS-115’s. I’m finally in love with the Ref210’s (tube break-in was a serious time of variation in sound quality) but it really made me appreciate what a great amplifier the VS-115 with KT120’s is! It punches way above its weight class and is one hell of a used value in the low $3,000 and below! I can’t take the Ref210 to KT120’s or it would have been done a while ago! I hope this helps; enjoy your amp!
Olskool
I recently upgraded to ARC Ref210 mono blocs with KT88’s and 6550’drivers and during new tube break-in was about ready to sell the 210’s and go back to the VS-115’s. I’m finally in love with the Ref210’s (tube break-in was a serious time of variation in sound quality) but it really made me appreciate what a great amplifier the VS-115 with KT120’s is! It punches way above its weight class and is one hell of a used value in the low $3,000 and below! I can’t take the Ref210 to KT120’s or it would have been done a while ago! I hope this helps; enjoy your amp!
Olskool