Audio Research Ref 1 compared to Ref 2 mkII

These are very different sounding preamps. The Ref 2 mk2 was the first Ref preamp to use the 6h30 tube and is more neutral sounding. The Ref 1 uses 6922 tubes and has more of a classic tube sounding but is still not tubey. Preamps have come a long way in the last 20 years or so, far more than amps. I would go with the Ref 2 mk2 if it were me. But I really like the more detailed and neutral sound of the 6h30.

I have heard the Ref 5se with .8 Pass amps and it was a nice match. Pass makes some excellent equipment.

You say that preamps have come a long way in the last 20 years. Would I be better off looking into a newer lower end AR pre then an older top model? I want to stay under 4000 used.

Pal-

over the last (3) years I have had the pleasure of spending time w/ the ARC pre-amps. I must say that considering you own a Pass Labs power amp, I would not use any pre less than a Ref3 or Ref3 SE (if available). The real money and listening pay-off would be the ARC Ref5 SE. Yes, even if you have to save your pennies for awhile, this is the best, killer pre-amp for your power amp!

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!