Well I do not own either. But I DO own both companies products.
And BOTH are very good stuff.
The only reason I would wonder about buying one or the other (aside from listening to them) would be warranty and followup.
Now VAC is great, but it IS one guy. When he goes, the company is gone.
ARC on the otherhand , is likely to be around for a long time.
Also repairs.
My VAC STandard is mine ONLY because of the very long repair time from VAC company.
The prior owner sent it for repairs,and it took more than a few months.. in the meantime the owner found another preamp, and so sold the VAC to me. Great for me, not so great for customers waiting for repairs.
So not that should be the only consideration, but one should be aware of it.
Like I said I love my VAC ppreamp, and my ARC preamp (a SP-15)
So it is a tough decision. Both are fine products.
Plus if you buy new, you may have to wait for the VAC to be built. The ARC is going to be in stock or a day or two away.
The VAC is going to be far more 'exclusive' (exotic) though.
And BOTH are very good stuff.
The only reason I would wonder about buying one or the other (aside from listening to them) would be warranty and followup.
Now VAC is great, but it IS one guy. When he goes, the company is gone.
ARC on the otherhand , is likely to be around for a long time.
Also repairs.
My VAC STandard is mine ONLY because of the very long repair time from VAC company.
The prior owner sent it for repairs,and it took more than a few months.. in the meantime the owner found another preamp, and so sold the VAC to me. Great for me, not so great for customers waiting for repairs.
So not that should be the only consideration, but one should be aware of it.
Like I said I love my VAC ppreamp, and my ARC preamp (a SP-15)
So it is a tough decision. Both are fine products.
Plus if you buy new, you may have to wait for the VAC to be built. The ARC is going to be in stock or a day or two away.
The VAC is going to be far more 'exclusive' (exotic) though.