Audio Research VSi60 integrated reliability?

I have used tube amps since 1974---that's 38 years---and I have never experienced the type of reliability problems that are routinely reported with ARC amps. My amps have ranged from old vintage units to modern designs, mostly push-pull but some single-ended DHT. None of these amps have had the fireworks, sparks, smoke, etc. that ARC amps seem to produce sooner or later.

What this means to me is that I decided many years ago never to buy an ARC amp. No matter how good it may sound, I have no interest in even an occasional fireworks display. Instead, I have stayed with amps that are designed more conservatively. When tubes eventually fail, the amps stop working and there may even be a blown fuse, but never fireworks.

What really bothers me is that someone could read these forums and conclude that all tube amps have these problems and use that as an excuse to use only solid state. That would be a real tragedy. Choose your tube amp carefully and you should have many years of trouble-free good sound.

Salectric, again . . . I may be biased in favor of ARC:<), but I've been around a while too - will be 60 in about 2 months :<( ....

My general recollection is that by way of reputation, ARC gear was generally at the top of the food chain. Yes, they made a few dogs over the years, but sh*t happens.

All my gear is ARC and I must tell you that except for the rare tube arc'ing experiences, the stuff is top notch dependable. IMHO. Perhaps Gary (Hifigeek) may want to share his thoughts too. I suspect he'll probably come out where I do.

It could very well be tube type/family.I`ve had several 6550 tubes fail(friend same problem with some KT 88) early in their life. EL 34 were never a problem for me over many years.My current amp uses the 300b and these are the most reliable and best sounding of any tube I`ve used.\I wonder if the DHT tubes are inherently more rugged and durable.The DHT seem to last a lot longer also.
Regards,

FWIW, I've had my ARC VS60 since Aug. 2010 (bought new; discontinued by ARC shortly thereafter). Basically the same unit as the VSi60, but it is not an integrated. No problems so far, knock on wood. I plan to replace the 6550's with the KT-120's when they approach the end of their useful life. Keep in mind that the Stereophile mishap happened on the test bench while being driven to levels approaching clipping.

Appreciate all the responses. My main concern was that ARC seemed to have more anecdotal evidence of reliability issues. Like I said, I don't mind the biasing, replacing tubes, general maintenance etc, but I don't want to have to deal with replacing resistors on more than one occasion to get my amp running. I've always enjoyed demoing tube gear, and always chose tube amps for guitars, but don't want to if I'm going to have to get warranty work done repeatedly.