I also have the ARC 100.2 amp mated with the Audible Illusions M3A preamp. The rest of my system consists of a VPI mk4 TT, Pioneer PD54 stable platter CD player and I recently purchased a pr. of Gallo Nucleus Reference speakers. Gmele, you are right, the 100.2 is very smooth but also very dynamic. I also listened to an ARC 100 mk2 tube amp and I prefered the 100.2 SS amp. This is a real sleeper in the ARC line. They may be known for their tube amps, but this is a REAL beauty! Check out how many used ones you find. Almost NONE, that's how many. When people find out how good they are, they hang on to them.
Audio Research Convert...
I never thought I would do this but I've recently sold my Ayre V3 for an Audio Research 100.2, I have two words to say about it. Dynamic and Smooth! The 100.2 has all the qualitys of the Ayre, but even better resolution on the top and the bottom, and so smooth. There is just such a sence of ease with this amp. I believe part of this is that it is also a better match for my Audible Illusions M3A. This amp is a real sleeper and it really takes charge of my Maggies. If anyone else out there has this amp I would love to here the contents of your systems.