Solid State to replace Audio Research REF110?

Don't hold me to this, but I seem to recall that Kal or Len once explained that ARC deliberately chose not to use fuses or auto bias circuits because the components were artifacts that could potentially degrade the sonics. To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware that ARC used such compenents in tube amps over the last "n" number of years.

This is true not only limited to audio. Great example is automobiles. If you want performance, SOMETIMES you have to sacrifice convenience. It's a personal decision if worth the extra effort.

To a smaller degree, choosing between a SS or tube amp is another example.

12-12-13: Mikewerner
Yeah, I have a BMW motorcar. I'm glad that the service department never answers their calls.
Who needs them, anyway?
My car runs GREAT!
I have never heard such nonsense as from salectric

There will always be Honda and Porsche drivers. Both have a marketplace and nothing wrong with neither. Sometimes there's a steep price to pay for performance.

Another great example in audio is CAT. Ken Stevens builds them like race cars. A owner described his amp as a popcorn popper but he will never sell due to the sound.

As has been pointed out, fuse protection isn't synonymous with sound degradation (this is a faulty premise).

I guess ARC and Ken Stevens @CAT didn't get the memo.

It's obvious ARC and Convergent don't want fuses in their design for whatever reason. If you don't like their approach or sound, buy something else. What's the big deal?

ARC and CAT have been in business for a long time, well respected and with a large loyal customer base. So either reliability is an overblown issue or sound quality trumps everything.

Charles1dad, My only point is not all talented designers agree on the same principles. Obviously some talented designers do find fuses degrade performance.

Customers can choose whatever they want. In your example, your friend prefers VAC so he buys VAC. Some prefers ARC, they buy ARC.