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

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!

Best of luck with the new preamp, Todd.

Also, could you clarify your statement that "I’m using the RCA sub preout into the REL." As far as I can see the C2500 does not provide a single-channel sub-out, and the REL only accepts a single channel for its line-level input.

Best regards,
-- Al

@toddcowles Congratulations on the XP-20 purchase. Though I don’t have direct experience with your McIntosh preamp, I believe you will find your system ’sound’ with your new Pass Preamp in it will be different than with the McIntosh Preamp. This is based on my hearing of the ’general’ Pass and McIntosh ’house sounds.’ Do share your findings with the Pass pre and any differences / preferences between the two preamps.

I have the XP-20 and am very happy with it. Isolation did help, but it wasn’t as major of a factor as with some of my other components. Pass strongly recommends keeping the factory supplied power supply umbilical. I do have an aftermarket pc into the Power Supply..... Pass doesn’t feel a great need for one and I generally, but not totally, agree (with their assessment with respect to the power supply).

Keep us posted -Todd
enjoy massaging the XP-20 into your system.
Happy Listening!

@david_ten Thanks for the input.
@jafant I’ll post up after I’ve had for about a month.

@almarg Hey Al, I’m going RCA/sub preout from the DEQX into the REL.