I have an audiophile friend who switched from pass lab XA160.8 to ARC ref250. Paired with ARC ref10 pre amp he and I just love how they sound with Magico S3. If you like details and “fast” response with a little tube bloom then ARC is one of the very few maker who can make this balance meticulously. Macintosh IMHO is more “classic” tube sound : “musical” (=slow transient response so not too much details ) but each to their own.
disclaimer : current user ( and big fan）of ARC ref10 / ref 160 mono mk2 , I had used CJ / Counterpoint / Jadis / Mac / Kondo / Manley in the last 25 years and these are the best tube pairs I had ever used.
Audio Research versus McIntosh tube amps: anyone experience or compare both?
As stated in the title of this thread, considering both brands. I'm looking for a new or near new tube amp to run my Joseph Audio Pulsar's. Have been using a Pass XA25, which sounds a little lean with this speaker. Looking for a touch of tube warmth and bloom, but still good detail.
Considering a new McIntosh 275 MkVI or possibly a preowned ARC Reference 75SE. New ARC costs more than I want to spend ($6K range or less). Preamp is ARC Ref 2 MKII BTW.
Would appreciate any insight for those who have experienced both. Thanks!