Hi @opm
I think the Pass Labs X250.8 / AR 5SE combo might work very nicely for you. I had the exact set up. Very airy, pungent and natural sound. Not too sweet. I don’t like too sweet either. The X250.8/XP-22 was a great combo as well, but if I was to go back now, I would gravitate towards the AR 5SE.
If you are really considering a tube amp(s), the Balanced Audio Technology tube amps are fantastic!
Good luck.
I think the Pass Labs X250.8 / AR 5SE combo might work very nicely for you. I had the exact set up. Very airy, pungent and natural sound. Not too sweet. I don’t like too sweet either. The X250.8/XP-22 was a great combo as well, but if I was to go back now, I would gravitate towards the AR 5SE.
If you are really considering a tube amp(s), the Balanced Audio Technology tube amps are fantastic!
Good luck.