Before deciding, first check out the tiny power supply on the LS-16. The transformer is so small, I believe it is mounted directly on the circuit board. I own an ARC amp. But I am amazed at how cheap ARC is in what they give you in their preamps. I believe the unit weighs 11 pds. You might also read the reviews on Audioreview.com of the LS 15, 16, & 22. There were several people who remarked on how small the power supplies are in the 15 and 16. Also, there was a comment about the bass and how the LS15 or 16 is unable to handle big dynamic swings, etc.
The Pass has a huge separate power supply. I have listened to it, and it is a very good sounding unit that is hard to fault. However, I believe tubes still have a little more midrange palpability, although the Pass fleshes out the sound in a 3-D fashion and with a body that is closest to tubes that I have heard, and certainly more than most transistor pieces can dream of doing.
Perhaps you should check out some other tube units such as BAT, CJ, Supratek.
The Pass has a huge separate power supply. I have listened to it, and it is a very good sounding unit that is hard to fault. However, I believe tubes still have a little more midrange palpability, although the Pass fleshes out the sound in a 3-D fashion and with a body that is closest to tubes that I have heard, and certainly more than most transistor pieces can dream of doing.
Perhaps you should check out some other tube units such as BAT, CJ, Supratek.