Audio Research comparison

I know I'm a little off the course of this tread but... I have been thinking of selling my Ayre V3 and moveing over to the VT100 Mk1. For the reason that I have Maggie 1.6's and they really come alive with tubes. It would also be a better match for my Audible Illusions M3A and at this time I can not layout more money for the latest generation of ARC products. I have been speaking to dealers and they have been giving me every reason under the sun not to go with the Mk 1, and at least start with the Mk2. My thinking is to get the Mk1 and in a year have it upgraded to the Mk2. At this point after selling my Ayre (which is an amp I will have a hard time parting with) it will basically cost me no outlay of cash. I would love to hear from Mk1 owners out there and there experience with this amp and those who have compared the two. Thanks in advance. Gary

I've gone from the one,two and now the three.Been an AR user since the SP3 and my opinion is let you're ears be the judge....My advice to you Gmele if it means anything,go for the two and later if you like upgrade to the three.The difference from the one to the two is not minor.It is a major improvement and taking that even further is the three.Good luck........

One positive aspect of ARC upgrades, at least for those in the mood to buy, is the way the bottom dropped out of the market on VT100 MkII's. This is an *insane* value purchased used. Contrary to a previous post, a dealer in my area told me that there was no warning regarding the release of the MkIII -- and this guy is a long time ARC dealer.