ARC LS25 with PASS X250 - bad match? Seems bright.

Small correction - the interconnects are Cardas 300b microtwin

Interesting, thanks guys. I was considering replacing the arc preamp with the pass x1. Originally, I thought the tube preamp would warm up and tubify the sound a little. But If the reality is different, and I am just mismatching the system, perhaps a pass preamp is the way to go. Thoughts?
- Mark

Swanny, what do you mean exactly? Is the x1 bright? From the grapevine, it may be the mismatch between the x250 and the arc LS25 that is causing the unwanted harshness/brightness. Would a perfectly mated X1 & X250 be less bright than a mismatched x250 & ARC LS25?

Thank you very much for the advice and thoughts. I thought I would try the pass x1 with the x250. The sound is still harsh in the highs. I thought that is what bright means, but perhaps my lingo is not precise or accurate.

We are talking the high frequencies of vocals, some high drums, definitely cymbals, and other treble. It sounds harsh, and well, bright!

So, enter the X1. Still sounds similar. Harsh highs. But now I am lucky, that though my audio research amp and preamp are for sale, they haven't sold yet. So I will set all of them up and do a proper comparison between the arc amp & preamp and the pass amp and preamp.

My sources still may be contributing, but at least I'll know which amp-preamp combo I prefer. I sort of really want to love the pass gear. I am attracted to the significantly less maintenance they require over the tube gear. But who knows, if the audio research stuff sounds way better, maybe I have to rethink about which units to sell!

I'll do this test on Friday, and I'll let you know what happens.