I am actually somewhat surprised that you didn't like the Pass/Pulsar combo. I had Pulsars in my music room and to me they are a warmer speaker, which I paired with a Prima Luna DiaLogue HD tube amp. I thought that that combo sounded very nice. Nonetheless, I wonder if keeping the Pass and getting an ARC REF 6 preamp might be the ticket. I have a REF 6 and a Pass 250.8 for my Wilson Sabrina X's and it really hits the spot. Let your ears tell you what sounds best!
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!