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

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?

@aberyclark 

I see you are going to used balanced on the C2700.  The C2700 is not a truly balanced preamp, only the top of the line 2 chassis C1100 McIntosh is truly balanced..  With that in mind, I use balanced on my McIntosh integrated and I feel it sounds a little better than the RCA input.

@aberyclark 

I found out by asking on Audio Aficionado McIntosh Forum.  Everyone including Lew who is the head honcho of the group and longtime McIntosh dealer stated as such.  I’m not trying to rain on your parade but didn’t want to see you disappointed if you found out after purchase.  Like I said, on my MA6600 integrated I use the balanced in and it sounds great. I tried it once on my C2500 but I had problems with one of the cables so I went to single ended.