Should I Sell My ARC REF 6 and Get A Pass Labs XP-32

@moto_man 

There is no substitute for trying a component in your system. I just glanced at used market…there appears to be couple of listings under 12K here at Audiogon. Go for it! 

Yes.

I had the ARC Ref 6 in my systems for almost a month, courtesy of my buddy who let me audition it on its own and against my XP22. The amps are X260.8 mono blocks.

The Ref 6 is an amazing preamp. It throws a big, holographic soundstage with images that are slightly larger than life (this is both a Pro and a Con). Great combo with Pass amps. Natural sound, really nice.
With the XP22 in place of Ref 6, I get a more realistic presentation with soundstage nearly as big as Ref 6 but with images that are more lifelike. Better bass speed and definition (Ref 6 is a bit sloppy and wooly in the bass). Mids are, believe or not, slightly clearer with the XP22 and the highs are a bit sweeter/more extended. Volume control on XP22 with the X260.8 is more granular than on the higher gain Ref 6. With ARC you get bigger jumps in volume with each click. The XP22 has blacker, quieter background than the Ref 6.
I spent a good amount of time evaluating the Ref and comparing it to my XP22 to reveal these differences. Both preamps are excellent. In the end, I thought I would miss the Ref 6 but I really don’t.

To conclude, if I was to make the move up the preamp ladder, the XP32 would be at the top of my list.

@audphile1, thank you so much.  That is exactly the type of input I am looking for.  I understand that the XP-32 is also quite a step up from the XP22 as well.  It sounds like the differences were rather subtle, since you say that you spent a good amount of time comparing them in order to discern the differences.  I am wondering if even jumping to the XP32 will be more than a subtle change.  I originally was using my MSB DAC as a volume control.  The ARC LS28SE was lent to me by a dealer and I thought that there was very little if any discernible difference between it and the MSB.  Then I tried a VAC Renaissance Mk V, and slightly better than the ARC but again, not worth it.  Then I tried the ARC REF 6 and it was a definite improvement over the LS28SE and the VAC.  Sounds like I really need to just bite the bullet, put it in my system and sell the one I like less.  What are you using for speakers?

I tried this about a year or so ago. I traded my REF5SE in on an Ayre KX5-Twenty as I wanted to get away from the tube heat. Within 120 days I sold the Ayre and now have a LS28SE and am much happier. I never have heard any PASS gear except at Rocky Mtn Audio Fest so not a fair assessment. Although I may consider PASS should I look at new Amps. I guess my point is make sure you’re gonna be happy before you jump.