2. amps-preamps
  3. 1086834053

ARC Ref 2 MK 2 Pre w/ Pass X-600 monos?

Has anyone tried this combination before or can anyone comment whether this would be a good match in terms of impedance matching and overall sonic performance.

I currently have the x-600 matched with the Aesthetix Calypso and together they drive the Talon Khorus MK II. I like the overall sound but I find the low end rather anemic given the potential of these speakers. In addition, I have replaced the tubes 3 times in 4 months beacuse I keep getting a poppping and hissing noise in one of the channels. Changing the tubes corrects this, but I am ready to cut bait and move on to something else. Would appreciate any recommendations!

Many thanks and regards...
msaines
meisterkleef
146 posts
 
Are you sure it isn't the Khorus with the anemic low end?

As to your question, the Ref2m2 has low output impedance
and plenty of drive to mate well with just about any amp.
Should be a wonderful combination with your X600s. You need
to check one out in your system.

If you're buying used you should also check out the ARC
LS5m2. The Ref2m2 couldn't knock it out of my system in a
week-long head-to-head. A very minimalist line-stage that
might just be the best ARC ever designed. I've had mine
almost 9 years now.
gladstone
296 posts
 
Doesn't make sense. The ARC, if anything, provides an extra boost to the bottom end.
agaffer
256 posts
 
I second the LS5 mkll. I never put mine up against the Ref 2 but, I did almost make the mistake of switching it for the Ref 1. Thank goodness I auditioned the Ref 1 for a week first. The balanced only inputs are a minor annoyance but, Cardas adapters take care of that.
linkster's avatar
linkster
422 posts
 
I have had my Calypso for 3 months and it has performed flawlessly. I have never replaced any tubes nor do I feel the need to do any tube rolling.
jshaw1004
53 posts
 
I have ARC REF2 (original, MKI) to match X-600's instead. There is no problem with the impedance matching. The matching rate is quite healthy at 55 (X-600/REF 2 = 22k/0.4 [XLR] = 55). I like this combo because REF2 could add a bit more sweetness/warmness to the top end which is IMO the relative weakness of X-600's comparing to my previous Pass Aleph's. ARC REF2 + X-600's combo presents a pretty balanced - warm, sweet, dynamic and detail sounding. And also, it should be able to drive any kind of speakers...

More to discover