2. amps-preamps
  3. 1346566056

ARC LS25 with PASS X250 - bad match? Seems bright.

I just switched my amp from an arc VT100mkII to the PASS X250. Upon doing so, I heard more brightness and even harshness in my system. I have heard that the PASS amps are not bright, so I am suspecting either a system mismatch, or that the X250 is more linear and is revealing another source of brightness in my system, that the tube amp perhaps was masking.

System:
Rockport Mira Monitors
Wisdom SCS Subwoofer
PASS X250
Audio Research LS25 mk I
Bryston 10b Sub crossover
Cambridge DacMagic
PS Audio GCPH
J.A. Michell Tecnodek
Dynavector 10x5
Cardas 100b microtwin balanced interconnects
Cardas Cross speaker cables

I am having a feeling that maybe my source components are not up to par with the rest, and that may be the cause of the harsh brightness at times. Or, that the PASS does not like the ARC LS25. What do you think?

Thanks!
Mark
marktomaras
rrog
1,958 posts
 
The Dacmagic is known to be a little on the bright side. You can look for a warmer sounding digital cable, but the fact remains your DAC is not up to the level of the rest of your system, so the sound will always be compromised even if you tame it down. Also, you never know what you will get when mixing amps and preamps from different manufacturers. If you are still not satisfied after improving your source you should either go back to an Audio Research amplifier or get a Pass preamp. When the amp and preamp are matched there is always a rightness to the sound that cannot be achieved by mixing brands.
marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Interesting, thanks guys. I was considering replacing the arc preamp with the pass x1. Originally, I thought the tube preamp would warm up and tubify the sound a little. But If the reality is different, and I am just mismatching the system, perhaps a pass preamp is the way to go. Thoughts?
- Mark
swanny76109
382 posts
 
X1 is not the right choice to warm up your system. The xp series would be a better choice. Or BAT or Cary or Conrad Johnson for tubes.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
The Rockports certainly aren't your problem, and I doubt its your cabling. I will assume what you describe is on all sources, with and without your sub. I have heard an ARC pre, and Pass amp once, with what I consider to be a warmer speaker. It did sound a bit forward for my taste, to be polite. I heard Rockport Ankaa's about 3-4 years ago, and they sounded great. Source was digital, an Audio Aero Capitole Classic. Preamp was a Shindo Monbrison, amp was believe it or not, an ARC Classic 60. I was wanting for very little. Again, assuming your cartridge is properly matched...! I hope this helps. Very nice system, BTW!
marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Swanny, what do you mean exactly? Is the x1 bright? From the grapevine, it may be the mismatch between the x250 and the arc LS25 that is causing the unwanted harshness/brightness. Would a perfectly mated X1 & X250 be less bright than a mismatched x250 & ARC LS25?
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