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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,550 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
363 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?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,550 posts
 

@moto_man 

I switched to Accuphase E-650. Like you I made my progression from LS28SE to Ref 6 as well but It wasn’t a giant leap from LS28SE as I was expecting. That’s when I start exploring other options and went through few auditions that included Luxman, DartZeel, T+A, Esoteric before choosing Accuphase. Having owned Leben and Shindo components in the past, Accuphase turned out to be the next best thing with Class A watts purity and warmth of tubes.

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

personally, i would definitely not 

ghdprentice
7,046 posts
 

Personally, I would not.

 

I have been a Pass fan for frothy years. First moving from Pass preamps, which have never been nearly as good as their amps, to Audio Research. Then moving to Audio Research.

 

Pass makes great equipment. But most folks move towards more natural and musical gear over time. So, away from solid state and towards tubed gear… so, towards Audio Research, Conrad Johnson… etc. 

 

But, it is completely a matter of taste. I would audition first. The Ref 6 is a world class preamp.

More to discover