Audio Research versus McIntosh tube amps: anyone experience or compare both?


As stated in the title of this thread, considering both brands.  I'm looking for a new or near new tube amp to run my Joseph Audio Pulsar's.  Have been using a Pass XA25, which sounds a little lean with this speaker.  Looking for a touch of tube warmth and bloom, but still good detail.

Considering a new McIntosh 275 MkVI or possibly a preowned ARC Reference 75SE.  New ARC costs more than I want to spend ($6K range or less).  Preamp is ARC Ref 2 MKII BTW.

Would appreciate any insight for those who have experienced both.  Thanks!

bobbydd

You have very nice systems.

Before trading amps, have you tried moving the speakers closer to the back wall / corners to reinforce the bass?

 

The ARC and Mac amps are very different. The Mac’s are heavy bass / midrange with a notable lack of detail / treble, and the ARC amp is detailed, with good midrange bloom and realistic bass as is only achieved by a really good tube amp. Especially given all the ARC equipment you own, you must try a ARC amp. I used Pass amps for decades. The first time I put an ARC amp in my system that was the end of my history with solid state amps and Pass (as great as they are). While the bass slam is attenuated, the bass becomes nuanced and realistic. There was no going back for me.

ARC and Mac amplifiers have completely different sounds. You need to hear them for yourself.

I agree with @cleeds 

In particular, how they handle  the upper midrange and treble is very different, and also different for vintage AR vs. current.

I'd suggest Ayre and Luxman to be on your short list, as well as Parasound.