I have owned the ARC Ref 40 and the VTL 7.5. I purchased the VTL to replace the Ref 40 when I upgraded my speakers as the change was clearly bringing out the “truer then true” characteristic of the ARC amp. By this I mean it’s tendency to make everything sound bigger than life, more dynamic and more impactful but all rather similar. This could be because I match with VTL amps so the combo works well. The 7.5 is more honest but maybe less immediately attractive but I feel it is more true to the source. This comparison by Roy Gregory rings true to me
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/trio_preamps.htm
Clearly these are all good amps and personal preferences and system matching will be what matters, not another persons opinion of which is “best”
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/trio_preamps.htm
Clearly these are all good amps and personal preferences and system matching will be what matters, not another persons opinion of which is “best”