Which to Switch: the Mac or the Act?



We have been very happy with the system for a year with no complaints. But, its been a year without tinkering and we're feeling the "what if" itch that keeps this industry in business. Right now its an all American mix and match potpourrie:

ARC CD8
CJ Act 2 Series 2
Pass XVR-1 (external cross-over)
McIntosh MC452

I am considering either: (i) replacing the Act 2.2 with ARC Ref 5 SE; or (ii) replacing the MC452 with Pass X250.5. Can anyone comment on what we might expect by way of change? How the sound might differ, pros/cons, etc? For example, re preamp, will there be audible synergies by mating the CD8 with its ARC brother Ref 5 SE (presumably yes, but enough improvement at the margin)? Or, re the amp, we like the MC452 a lot (and it would go into a second system, not leave the premises), but we have never had Class A in the house(the X250.5 is Class A up to 15 watts), and the folks at Pass were so helpful in guiding me through the XO set up that I'd simply like to give Pass the business (space constraints rule out the X350.5).

We listen mostly to rock, jazz and Broadway at moderate listening levels, but do crank it up on Saturday nights. Prefer slightly warm side of neutral(emphasis on slightly). Speakers are Linn Akurate 212 with JL F112 sub. Any input is appreciated.
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Personally I think you are going about this the wrong way, you have good components, but your speakers are lacking.

The concept of a small bookshelf plus s sub woofer does not equal the same performance of a truly dynamic floor standing loudspeaker.

I would look at upgrading to a new pair of loudspeakers.
Sell the Act 2.2, and buy the AR Ref 5SE. By doing so, you can go balanced from your CD8 to the Ref 5SE and then to the MC452. All 3 of these components work best in the balanced mode. Audio Research components have always worked best balanced. The MC452 plays best balanced and that is the way I'm using my 452.
Save your money. If it were me, I wouldn't do anything. Why tinker with success. You have a very nice system.
I recently purchased AR Ref 5SE for use with my MC452 and am very happy with it. I use bookshelf speaker and sub-woofer combination (Focal Diablo Utopia 3 + JL Audio f113 with Bryston 10-B SUB active xover) but never feel the speakers lacking.