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

mac house sound?  IME, for example, the MC275 sounds much different from their solid state equipment....

@tzh21y I haven't listened to the MC275's in proper environment.  I don't call listening to them under powering a pair of Sonus Faber's at Best Buy an accurate assessment, which that's the only place I've ever really heard them.  

Any update for us regarding your Pass Labs Pre XP-20?  Would be interesting to know how that worked out for you.

@len44 Wow, what a long strange trip it has been!  

I don’t own any of the gear that was originally posted with this, other than the DEQX Premate.  I did settle on the XP-20 and it did have a little more detail vs. the McIntosh.  But, since then, I sold off the PS Audio amps, and picked up a set of XA60.5’s.  I sold the Dynaudio’s and bought a set of Harbeth Super HL5+’s.  Upgraded the DirectStream Jr to a DirectStream and picked up an Aurender N100H.  I spent about 3 or 4 months A/Bing with and without the XP-20. To me, it sounded better without the XP-20 in the chain.  So, now, I run no preamp, it’s just direct out of the DirectStream into the XA60.5’s.

Been on a steady upgrade path. Currently have a Linn Majik DSM (with amp and volume control turned off, Pass Labs XP-20, Pass Labs XA30.8 feeding into Spendor D9s. Fanatasitc sound...