Audio Research Ref210 vs Ref300 vs VTM200

Not to really mess up your thought process, but have you considered a Ref5? I got one recently, and it is really incredible! I had a Ref3/Ref110 combination for a couple of years, and switched over to Shindo Masseto/Montille which was a step up, imo. But when I heard the Ref 5, I had to have it. Sold the Masseto, and used the 5 with the Montille. Now, I picked up an VT100mk3, and it sounds spectacular with the Ref5. My point? The Ref 5 is such a huge step up that you may not have really heard your amp's limits. This is my second 100mk3, and I really had no idea how great they were with the previous preamps, a Ref2mk2 and a Ref3. With a better preamp there may be more life in those 120's yet.

Granted the VT100 IS one of my personal favorite amps - but pair with a $12000 preamp to sound its best? Maybe the VT is better with a hybrid pre that leans towards solid state sound, rather than a pure tube beast like the LS5 - maybe that is why you like it better.

I switched out an LS16MkI for a Ref3 paired w/ a VT200MkI and the difference was profound in terms of detail, imagining, and soundstage depth. I believe the early VT series of amplifiers are all tube.

I too owned a VT200 (mk1)and it was probably the finest amp I have owned. I sold it only because of two repairs requiring freight shipping back to ARC, very expensive. I must add that these were due to buying tubes from a well known tube seller, NOT from ARC. Saved some money, and it cost me big time... I won't do that again. Loved that VT200 though.

I also had to send it to ARC for a retube but it has been flawless since. I have thought about giving them a call to see if they would be willing to retube my VT200 with KT 120's and maybe even update the power supply to handle the KT 120. At 13K for a Ref 150 I'd like to keep the VT200!