Tube amp sound issues help

Two different circuits with different OPT's and different feedback schemes will certainly sound DIFFERENT! And no way to make one sound like the other! Don't fool around with sticking the small tubes where they aren't supposed to go! The stock tube configuration is the correct one!

You'll just have to get used to the sonic signature of the ARC amp! If you don't like it, sell it and go back to the CJ!

Contrary to the previous posts, the sonic signature of that amp or any ARC amp I’ve heard is nowhere near being classified as dull, especially the midrange and lower treble. I have heard the VS115 model extensively and if paired with the right speakers it sounds fantastic. You can check the ARC archives to see if you have installed the tubes correctly. You may also want to try a different tap - 4 vs. 8, and see if that makes a difference. Never heard the CJ Premier 11a and it might just be a better sounding amp.

Thanks 
l call arc they told me the 5 front tube placement wasn’t a concern 
Told me to plug amp directly into wall instead of my monster av surge protector 
also confirmed what you said try 8 ohm instead of 4 ohms 
even though my ML s3 are 4 ohm they clearly sound better on the 8 ohm setting 
Will  give a good listen to this set up over the weekend 
before I compare it to my CJ again to see how I now feel about it

You never mentioned, how many hours the tubes have on them(unless I missed it). If yours(ARC vs 110 ??) came with four 6H30 drivers(ie: the Reference 110), moving those around, shouldn’t matter. If you’re not certain of the hours on the tubes, you’d do well to have them competently tested and(if needed)replace the drivers and outputs both. If you’re looking for a clean/uncolored sound, the matched Russian version, of the Gold Lion KT88 will provide nicely. There aren’t as many options, with 6H30s, as with some tube families, but- they’re out there: (https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/russian-6h30pi) (https://www.thetubestore.com/preamp-tubes/6h30-tube-types) (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/why-6h30-tubes)