bat vk 3i vs arc ls2b

tough call....points to consider. in regards to the sonic signature, you can "roll" the tubes

tubes
arc ls2b - 1 - 6922/7308 tube
bat- 4 6922/7308 tubes ( more $$$$ to retube with premium tubes) and 2 6v6's ( can still get premiums reasonabley)

remote
arc ls2b III remote- goes for big $$$$$$
Bat 3vki - often included(factory upgrade is no longer available)

phono
some units have have it installed. the bat 3vki can be upgraded for $500 (awesome deal imo )

Upgradeabiltity
Bat 3 vki - add phono, super tube option, 6 pack option
ARC 2B- non

Design
The BAT is a true full dual differential balanced full "tube" design ( if you have balanced inputs on your amp- this is a biggie.
The ARC2 is a psuedo balanced "hybrid" design

Power Cord
BAT- your choice
ARC- Factory or modifaction time

imo, the only drawback to the BAT is the 4 6922/7308's.

I would go for the BAT ( i have had both in my house) - the ls2b is very good but it has a slight "grain" on the top. The BAT is a newer design and BAT service is impeccable.

Hope that helps,

mike

Mikesinger nice post! Bat 3 vki Upgradeabiltity super tube option, 6 pack option - Is this option really available from BAT? I have never heard anyone mention it for the VK-3i.

Call BAT on the remote issue, I just bought a VK3 and VK60 (I'm already in love) and Steve at BAT told me they can upgrade the 3 to i status and install the remote option, but only for a short while longer. The only problem being that I can't get the internal phono or single ended inputs on an upgraded VK3, so I'm considering selling it and moving up in their line. I was also unaware of 6 pack being available for this one.

Mthieme, How Much were the upgrades going to cost... Especially to upgrade to the Remote Feature? - I just saw on EBay the VK-3i sell for as low as $750.(non remote)

With the 3i adding the remote is 500, as is adding phono, but with the 3 which is what I have, you pay the same 500 but with the mandatory i upgrade at 250, and phono is not available, and the factory will not be able to do it much longer. I bought without researching enough, and found this out after the fact. I'm thrilled with their products and I'm thinking of moving up the line and selling the vk3. This time I will not cheap out and forget the remote.