Pass Labs XP-20 or Audio Research Ref 3?

Alan2-

In separate systems I preferred the ARC Ref5 SE compared to the ARC Ref3. This pre is best mated w/ Wilson speakers and Transparent cables/cords. Probably the best tubed- pre out there, until I demo a Conrad Johnson ART3.

Conversely, the Pass XP-20 is the finest solid-state pre that I have auditioned to date (the XP-30 is on my short-list as I write). It plays well (no pun) w/ not only Pass amps but other manufacturers amps as well. During demo we used Threshold, Parasound, Aesthetix and Pass power amps.
Associated cables/cords were Silent Source (my fave!), Audioquest and Signal Cable.

Hope this helps.

Bo-

you are certainly on to something w/ the room-correction thing. I have been to many dealers/retailers and have had poor auditioning experiences because of diminished room acoustics. Keep posting your experiments.

Which gear is in your system?

Many Thanks! Bo1972 for your insight and info regarding this important subject. Where are you located? What is the name of your business? All The Best!