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Pass Labs “House Sound” vs. McIntosh “House Sound”

I’m contemplating swapping out my McIntosh C2500 for a Pass Labs XP-20.  I’ve searched the forums for posts on the Pass Labs XP-20, being that it was released quite some time ago, I didn’t find too much referencing the sound characteristics.  Read plenty of reviews, but those, as we all know, are often full of audio journalistic color.  Any one able to comment on the Pass Labs “house sound”, per se?  Possibly what trade offs happen when migrating from McIntosh preamps.
toddcowles

Showing 2 responses by jbrrp1

jbrrp1
423 posts
 
I would strongly suggest you consider the PS Audio BHK Sig preamp, too.  You run the 300 mono's and the DSJ DAC, so you know their equipment delivers.  I really like that preamp with my 300 mono's.  It sure is worth a try, and a demo wouldn't be too hard to come by.
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
Funny!  I, too, was actually biased and skeptical about PS Audio gear, just because the "marketing" feel of the brand just was off-putting to me.  But I saw that a dealer for my same speakers really loved the match of the 300 Mono's in his system, so I decided to try them, and I am more than glad that I did.  They are a fabulous match and fabulous amps for the money, IME.

I'll be curious to hear your evaluation of the Pass preamp once you've had a chance to take its measure fully.  I am actually contemplating trying out their phono preamp.  Please report what you find some time!
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