Why not borrow a pair of 250s from an ARC dealer and compare them in your current setup. That is the only way to know for sure. The ARC Ref amps are far more neutral. They don't have quite as much tube coloration as Cary amps. The Pass X600.5 are very fine amps. My ARC dealer also carries Pass Labs and I have been very impressed with their line. If I were to move from tubes to solid state, Pass Labs is were I would go.
Audio Research Ref 250s for Magnepan 20.1s?
OK, I'm thinking about taking the plunge into large tube amp, upgrading. Will the ARC Ref 250s have enough power for the Magnepan 20.1 speakers? Anyone using this combo? The Ref 750s seem too far out there for me but I would like to hear if someone has experience with either of these? Right now I have ARC Ref 3 preamp and Ref 8 CD player along with Pass Labs XP25 phonopre, VPI table with dynavector cart, and Pass Labs X600.5s. I have plenty of power but had an eye opening experience with a friend's Cary Audio 60 watt triode stereo amp. Nowhere near the power needed but it had qualities I desire such as midrange bloom and wide soundstage without harsh upper end. It was bass shy but I do have Nola subs. Should I sell the pass 600.5s and get ARC ref 250s? or 750s (god forbid)?
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- 28 posts total
Why not borrow a pair of 250s from an ARC dealer and compare them in your current setup. That is the only way to know for sure. The ARC Ref amps are far more neutral. They don't have quite as much tube coloration as Cary amps. The Pass X600.5 are very fine amps. My ARC dealer also carries Pass Labs and I have been very impressed with their line. If I were to move from tubes to solid state, Pass Labs is were I would go. |
They did a great job of driving the 20.7´s at a show in Sweden a couple of weeks ago but according to the dealer the Lamm M2.2 is even better. The Pass XA.5-amps are also considered a great match. REF250/MG20.7 |
- 28 posts total