Audio Research VSi60 integrated reliability?

I admit to having an ARC bias (pun-LOL), but here is my experience. I've owned 2 ARC tube amps: the VS-110 and currently, the VS-115. Yes, it's true, on rare occassion (maybe twice), a power output tube arc'ed and took out a bias resister.

I'm fortunate to have an authorized ARC tech. service rep. who's shop is near my house and who also makes house calls. When my VS-115 blew a power tube and took out a bias resister, the tech came to my house and replaced the resister in 45 minutes. The repair was fully covered by the ARC warranty.

Look, tube amps on occassion blow power tubes and in some cases take out bias resisters. It goes with the territory. But I have never experienced an exploding amp problem. I may have read of one case on the Forum where an arc'ing tube did a lot of damage to an ARC amp, but not an explosion.

FWIW

Post script -- I replaced all the power tubes in my VS-115 with KT-120s. Aside from my sense that these tubes greatly improved the sound quality of my VS-115 as compared to the old 6550Cs, I understand that the KT-120s have a more robust build quality. So far, evrything is humming (pun - LOL). Again, FWIW.

Perhaps Gary (Hifigeek) can weigh in on his KT-120 experience. Gary is an ARC authorized service tech.

Salectric, again . . . I may be biased in favor of ARC:<), but I've been around a while too - will be 60 in about 2 months :<( ....

My general recollection is that by way of reputation, ARC gear was generally at the top of the food chain. Yes, they made a few dogs over the years, but sh*t happens.

All my gear is ARC and I must tell you that except for the rare tube arc'ing experiences, the stuff is top notch dependable. IMHO. Perhaps Gary (Hifigeek) may want to share his thoughts too. I suspect he'll probably come out where I do.