Tube preamp recommendations for Pass X260.8 monos

Even though they are both at the upper end of my uncomfortable price range, I’m really curious if anyone has a sense of the difference in sound character between the Audio Research Reference 6se and the Nagra Classic Preamp. To my understanding they both lean towards the more articulate, non tube-like, dare I say clinical side of tubed preamps, but as it’s not practical for me to do a side by side, I’d love to hear input on the differences between them, or even Audio Research vs NAGRA sound signatures generally.

i don’t mind a little bit of tube warmth, but I’d rather it lean more toward neutral than overdone.

If I were you and you’re running a truly fully-balanced system I’d go with ether ARC or Atmasphere, or VAC if you don’t mind a touch of warmth.  Best of luck. 

OP,

If the new cost of a REF6SE puts you off think about a used REF5SE… or even 5. You will get most of the sound, for much less money. I am sure the average life of an ARC preamp is over thirty years.

I upgraded from an REF5SE to a Ref6se… but mostly because I upgraded all my other components to contemporary REF. Yes, the 6SE is better than the 5SE.. but better the 5SE than something else… my belief. I had a 5SE for nearly ten years. It was never the component getting in the way of better sound.

@aorigoni 

If you are shopping in the price range of the ARC REF 6SE and Nagra, I would at least look at/consider the Thomas Mayer 10Y line stage. Two versions, copper and silver. These are bespoke ultra-quality German made components that are said to sound superb. Admittedly different from what is usually mentioned on this site.

Charles

If you want transparency and neutrality, nothing that I’m aware of would beat an Ypsilon PST 100 Mk2, run in passive mode.