Synergy between AR Ref 3 and Pass X amps

Gundam91,Mitch4t
Ahh, but have you tried the new Pass Labs Preamp XP-10 or XP-20 with the Pass Labs X 350.5 Amp ?

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Oz, I'm all set for now.....I love the Ref3 and I just don't have the bucks to consider auditioning the newer Pass stuff. Sure, I'd love to hear the X-600.5 amps...not so sure about the newer Pass preamps...the next preamp I buy will be the Audio Research Ref5......amazingly, I just can't imagine anything being better than the Ref3, just an amazing sounding preamp.
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Amongst solid state amps, any recommendations on what i should audition that would go with the ref 3s?

Oz,

As stated, the comparison was done a few years back. Two of my close friends currently own the Ref 3, another one had it for a brief period and didn't like it a bit. I don't have the kind of disposable income like they do, so I can only upgrade once every so often, like 6 or 7 years at a minimum. And go listen to new gears at their houses whenever they felt the itch to upgrade.

Like I said, I could be happy with either. I am sure the new Pass preamp would sound sweet. And it would be interesting to pit them against the Ref 3 or the soon-to-come-out Ref 5. But maybe when I win that big jack pot someday, I can try new toys every year. ;-P

For now, my GNSC modified LS-25 Mk I + Pass X350.5 will have to do....My next big investment is to build a dedicated room. It's in the works as I'm writing this.

FrankC