I've had a lot of Audio Research equipment over the years and I have had the same expereinces. When you compare their balanced inputs vs. single ended, the balanced almost always sound better. My theory is that ARC designs their circuits originally as balanced and adds the SE to that design. If you looks at the specs between balanced and SE, there is sometimes a difference in S/N ratio between the two inputs ratings. Check out www.arcdb.ws for more info,
Audio Research VT 100 MK III vs. VS55
I just changed my VS55 to a VT 100 MK III(needed more power). Of course it was a general upgrade and at the same time it differed in a way I didnt expected. Listening to the VS55 it was very easy to the "se" and point out the instruments and vocals in space. The VT 100 dont behave in that manner. Instead the soundstage is much more open and wide and the vocals/instr are there but hard to say where. But still music presented in a fantastic way.
Is this a property of tha amp or an interaction effect? I use a ARC LS 17 and Eminent Technology LFT-8b speakers.
Is this a property of tha amp or an interaction effect? I use a ARC LS 17 and Eminent Technology LFT-8b speakers.