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

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 thanks for the input.  You are 100% correct, their equipment does deliver and the industry needs more folks like Paul and his employees running these audio companies.  I've attempted to not like their equipment, rather, initially I attempted to be very biased.  Having lived in Colorado, it was super easy for me to demo.  Once the monoblocks were hooked up, there was no turning back.  Same happened with the DSJ.  

I had spent about 2 weeks with the BHK pre, I did like it.  I'll admit, it took me a few days to get used to it.  In the end, the lack of tone controls prevented me from swapping out my C2500 for it.  In my previous listening room with sound treatment, the speakers just didn't have enough room to breath and produced awkward "slurring/sibilance" scenarios.  We've since moved and the odd ball higher frequencies are no longer present.  At that time, I had to tone them down with a few notches of treble.  I figure if the road does lead to the BHK pre, I won't have much of an issue selling the Pass Labs.  With the DEQX, I have way more control over the sound than anyone could ever really need or want.  Due to this, the lack of tone controls on both the BHK and Pass Labs won't be an issue.  

I pulled the trigger on the Pass Labs, I'll see how I like it and if not, I'll pick up the BHK pre.  

Thanks for your input!

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).