I had gotten interrupted in my post and due to the time limit could not edit or complete it.
I had failed to address the midrange directly. The ARC amp has midrange bloom where instead of a good solid rendition of colors with the Pass the whole spectrum is laid out in rich warm colors. This in part is why the Pass amp has so much slam… it is very fast and without such a well fleshed out midrange highlights the fast rise in bass and really slaps you, as if nothing else was there. Voices are rich and pure on the ARC.
Back to perspective. These are two great series of amps the Pass x series and ARC tube. The Pass XA series is definitely closer to the tube sound, but not all the way there. There are people attracted to easily hearing the drummers foot slapping the pedal or highlight the venue and mastering techniques, or need massive power and the solid state amps like the Pass x series are an outstanding choice. But for great rhythm and pace… one of the most important drivers of emotional connection and musicality tube amps / components tend to get this better.
I had failed to address the midrange directly. The ARC amp has midrange bloom where instead of a good solid rendition of colors with the Pass the whole spectrum is laid out in rich warm colors. This in part is why the Pass amp has so much slam… it is very fast and without such a well fleshed out midrange highlights the fast rise in bass and really slaps you, as if nothing else was there. Voices are rich and pure on the ARC.
Back to perspective. These are two great series of amps the Pass x series and ARC tube. The Pass XA series is definitely closer to the tube sound, but not all the way there. There are people attracted to easily hearing the drummers foot slapping the pedal or highlight the venue and mastering techniques, or need massive power and the solid state amps like the Pass x series are an outstanding choice. But for great rhythm and pace… one of the most important drivers of emotional connection and musicality tube amps / components tend to get this better.