FWIW, I've had my ARC VS60 since Aug. 2010 (bought new; discontinued by ARC shortly thereafter). Basically the same unit as the VSi60, but it is not an integrated. No problems so far, knock on wood. I plan to replace the 6550's with the KT-120's when they approach the end of their useful life. Keep in mind that the Stereophile mishap happened on the test bench while being driven to levels approaching clipping.
Audio Research VSi60 integrated reliability?
Just wondering the reliability of the VSi60 integrated. Am tempted by the idea of a tube integrated, but a little wary with the stereophile review and comment about exploding units. Saw a previous a'gon posting with quite a few replies about another similar situation which seems to have been deleted. Anyways I hear quite a lot of positive remarks about ARC's reputation and reliability, but those posts frankly are ridiculous if the amp is exploding.