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!

bobbydd

Showing 1 response by pani

@bobbydd since you asked a leading question, you will get answers which are obviously this or that. What you are looking for is a great sounding tube amp which has the bloom but not slow or colored. Check out Rogue Audio Stereo 100. It has everything that the Pass does well + warmth and naturalness, without any voicing. Both ARC & Mac are voiced. Rogue Stereo 100 and Apollo Monoblocks sound natural and unvoiced. They both have a triode/ultralinear switch. I always preferred the triode mode. Natural, harmonic, and transparent. Here is a review comparing Rogue Stereo 100 and Pass XA25

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-stereo-100-power-amplifier