2. amps-preamps
  3. 186207-2328

Should I Sell My ARC REF 6 and Get A Pass Labs XP-32

So here's the question.  I love my ARC REF 6.  It's a great piece of equipment.  But  lately, I have been thinking that maybe I should switch from tubes to a Pass Labs XP-32, as I don't want to worry about replacing tubes in the future (like 5-10 years from now -- I know that there is plenty of stock now and I have a spare set anyway) as I approach retirement age.  Of course, other than buying a Pass Labs XP-32 and putting it into my system to see how it sounds, I am at the mercy of professional reviewers. The rest of my system: I have a Pass Labs 250.8 (so I think that there would be great synergy with the XP-32), MSB Discrete DAC with Premier Power Base and Wilson Sabrina X speakers, and a full loom of Shunyata cables.  Will the XP-32 be an improvement over the REF 6 for my system?  Should I sell the REF 6 and get an XP-32?

moto_man
raysmtb1's avatar
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raysmtb1
793 posts
 

Absolutely I absolutely would

testpilot
896 posts
 

If you like the sound of the Xp-32, why not?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,099 posts
 

Can you buy XP-32 before selling Ref 6? If one thing given in this scenario is impeccable synergy between Pass Labs components. If your goal is to not deal with tubes, you’re on a right path by pursuing XP-32. I have owned several ARC components in the past including Ref 6 and I don’t miss them at all. 4 plus years of SS electronics, so glad I made move from ARC. 

moto_man OP
323 posts
 

@lalitk, I suppose that I can.  I just wonder if the change is worth it sonically, as I have only heard great things about the XP-32 but haven’t heard it anywhere, especially in my system, obviously.  Of course, the REF 6 always gets great reviews and it was a step up from my DAC to amp setup and a big step up from the VAC Renaissance V that Itried, as well as the ARC LS28SE.  What did you replace your REF 6 with?

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