Most definitely the ARC, but you were on the right track with the XA25... Why is the obvious answer a tube amp?
A really good option, and one I ran with big B&W's... ARC Pre, big Pass amp! I used an X250.5 at the time, but if you want tube like sound as opposed to intense focused bass, crystal clear mid & hi's.... Big mono XA's!
XA60.8's will sound completely different than your XA25
$14K a pair new... there are 3 year 0% interest deals out there...
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!