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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 lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
It would be helpful to know your rest of the setup, especially amp and speakers you plan to mate with XP-20. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
As @ebm pointed out they both has different ‘house’ sound. If you’re looking for a departure from tubes, XP-20 is a great choice. I would also consider audiotioning BHK Signature Preamplifier. 

One word of caution, I wouldn’t get rid of C-2500 until you had a chance to audition either of these solid state preamplifiers. I used to own C-2500 with Telefunken NOS tubes and couldn’t make a switch to SS preamp. I end up swapping my C-2500 for ARC LS28. 

BTW, very nice system and good luck with your search!
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