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

@lalitk That would probably help!

I have a set of the PS Audio BHK300 monoblocks, which are driving a set of Dynaudio Confidence C4 Signatures.  I also have a DEQX Premate for Speaker/Room correction.  All of my power cables are Shunyata Research and interconnects are Audioquest Colorado XLRs.  

Both sound totally different its what you like i myself would go for Pass with more detail and more accurate and musical.

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!

I myself have the C2500 preamp and after having 4 other tubed preamps, this one is definitely the keeper.  I have never heard a solid state preamp that I could live with for a long period of time.  Are you willing to give up the tone controls and the ability to change phono cartridge loading on the fly from the remote?  I know I couldn't and wouldn't.  I don't know how it will sound with a Pass.  Although this isn't the same thing, I tried the C2500 with a Conrad Johnson 250wpc solid state amp, the sound became slow and syrupy.  What is it about the sound of the C2500 that you don't like or wish to improve?

Why not just use the DEQX as the pre and do without another component in the chain?