You really need to do a serious audition of the gear you are thinking of buying. I am very much a tube person, but, I would pick a WIDE range of solid state gear over ARC gear. It is very much a matter of taste. To me, ARC stuff is lean, harmonically bleach out and dry in the way that I don't hear with decent solid state. The failing with solid state, to me, is a touch of lifelessness, but I'll take that over lean and mean.
Pass labs vs arc
Am I correct in thinking that audio research gear would be a step up from pass labs? For this comparison I would be looking to step up from xp10/xa30.5 to ref3/ref75. I do prefer tube sound. What would be the potential benefits of moving up the chain in amplification and pre units? Perhaps I should be focusing on better speakers first? Perhaps I am incorrect in thinking arc gear is even a "step up" from pass? Thanks for any comments and thoughts