Which power amplifier match audio research ref 3

I have the Ref 3 paired up with the Ref 110. Assuming it works in your budget (used you should be able to get it in the $5-6Kish range), it is a very solid match.

LAMM hybrid might do it too.

I've heard ARC Ref pre's sound great in systems running off the top of my head, Krell Evo, CJ 350, Jadis JA 200 & BAT 75 aswell as ARC. It seems an amp that'll match well in many systems. That said system synergy is vital and I'd have thought the amp/speaker combo is probably more important than that of the pre/power?

I have a Ref 3 with Pass Labs 350.5 sounds good believe the XA .5 series would sound better if funds permit. Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

I have the "baby version" of the match you are proposing, in my case the ARC LS-17 paired with ARC's 150.2. I think they work very well together driving my Maggies. However, I'm sure you are aware that the 300.2 is one of ARC's first class D amplifiers, and there is a wide range of opinions about them. Based on my own experience I think the 150.2 and 300.2 sound fine (and in fact the Absolute Sound reviewer bought his review sample of the 300.2), but they were never meant to compete with ARC's own Reference Series tube amps, such as the Ref 110 (i.e. ARC themselves would maintain that the Ref series amps were of higher musical quality). The synergy is there, but you should listen for yourself.