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

Showing 1 response by christianb5s4

christianb5s4
231 posts
 

My Pass XP22 was my first foray into a dedicated pre-amp, and a big reason I chose it was for it's neutrality based on all my research. Everything is subjective, of course, to some neutrality is boring or lacks excitement. To me, as I was getting into my journey I appreciated the detail, transparency, and neutrality as it allowed me to hear all the changes to the system I was making. And at this level, it really comes down to personal preference as nothing listed above is 'bad'.

 

I do want to try a tube preamp given how many positive comments there are just to see the difference, but for now, the XP22 is not going anywhere.

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