Looking for a new powerful amp.

Nuforce 9's.

I've heard the Classe CA-2200 on a pair of B&W 802D's, and the sound was sublime.

Dear Pardales, May I know which tube preamp are you using with your Pass Labs 250.5? I have a 250.5 as well, I'm having hard time to looking for a right preamp to match it. Thank you!
Ivan

when you match the Ref3 with a solid state amp, make sure you look at input sensitivity of the amplifier. Ref3 has relatively high gain, just as most tube preamps do.

For example McCormack DNA-500. Awesome amp. But most likely it'll be tough to match with Ref3, especially balanced, since the Ref3's output gain in balanced mode is 11.6db, although its output impedance is 600ohms balanced and 300ohms single-ended.

DNA-500 input is 10kohms balanced and I beleive it's 100k in single-ended. This just may be too much for Ref3 and you may end up overdriving it.

If you look at ARC current line of amps, for instance 300.2, you'll find input sensitivity 150K ohms single-ended, 300K ohms balanced differential.

If you ever consider the DNA-500 though, make sure you e-mail or call McCormack audio and ask if it's OK to match this amp with a preamp with that kind of gain.

I think this should be considered regardless of which amp you end up with. Just check before you buy. Or you will not be able to enjoy latenight listening. If that's an issue for you.

Just my opinion and something I personally would consider.