Pass Labs vs. Cary

just enjoy your system...you are already there

Jtwrace , are you running the Pass combo in balanced or single ended config? I don't know about your X250, but my X250.5 sounds noticibly better when run in balanced mode. So if you running it single-ended, there is something to cinsider before you ditch the Pass combo.

Rbautista, I have X250.5 and to me it is very far from sounding like tubes. It is a very neutral and dynamic amplifier, which is what I like about it. There is no artifial sweetness or coloration. I do use an ARC tube preamp with this amplifier and the combo sounds really good. Of course ARC preamp is also not know for being overly sweet. but I happen to like this combination for neutrality and dynamic drive it provides.

I have no experience with the previous X250 but from what I've read, the X250.5 is an improvement. In what way, I am not sure. Didn't compare them side by side.

I did hear the Summits with mcIntosh tube combo and thought it was nice but a little rolled off at the extremes.

Audiophile 1, I have a Ref 2 driving a Pass 350.5. I put Amperex A frames in the preamp and it made a huge difference. Even tube enthusiasts in my audio club were impressed with the improvement in musicality. For the first time in many years, I am not dreaming about my next upgrade.
Jeff

Jwin, that's my next preamp, the Ref2!!!!
I love the way ARC pairs with Pass. I've had ARC preamps with different amps over time, but the combo of ARC and Pass running fully balanced is superior to anything I ever had in my system.

The Cary 500MB's will drive your MLs beautifully. They have the most liquid, lush and natural midrange and treble I ever heard in a solid state amp (other than the Dartzeel). With 500 watts and high current on tap, you'll get lifelike dynamics - something that's often missing even with the best tube amps. Naturally, the 500MBs will pair very well with any of the Cary pres.