Pass amp paired with audio research pre?

Ref 5 into a Pass X350. The X350 input is actually in parallel with a crossover used to run an SVS sub. So load on the Ref 5 is about 15k ohms. I think you'd have to go below 10k to really start seeing any degradation in response or output.

I think the ARC/Pass combo will give you the best of both worlds. Plus you can run the whole thing balanced and it's hard to beat the versatility of the AR preamps.

Audio Research has been changing output caps over the last few years so while I doubt they would go cheap some may have a different output impedance than others.

Sorry I'm late.

The Ref5 has two parallel outputs. One connects directly to the X350 which drives a pair of Martin Logan Ascent ES hybrids. The second output goes to a dbx 223XL which drives a single SVS PC Ultra. The 223 is just used as a low pass filter, the SVS crossover is bypassed. The Ascents are run full range. This is all done with XLR balanced lines.

We pretty much listen to anything. For awhile it's acoustic blues, then funk, then prog rock and lately western swing. We also use it for movies (love the processor bypass). The music stick in my car has everything from Asleep at the Wheel to ZZ Top.

It's not polite sounding. It'll do Tower of Power the way it was meant to be done. It's very detailed and can go reasonably load before the panels start to compress. eally harsh and compressed recording sound really harsh and compressed.