Preamplifier suggestions for Pass Labs XA30.8

[RichW]

I am in the market for a preamplifier for my XA30.8. I want to buy 'pre-loved,' and I am working on a short list:

Pass Labs XP-20
Cary Audio SLP 05
Audio Research Reference 3
Aesthetix Calypso

Here are some questions to consider:

What have you heard matched to Pass Amps?
What do you use, and why do you like it?
What are your experiences with these amps?

Your input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Down Under]

I spent quite a long period of time with the XP20 when I had Pass 260.5 monoblocks.
Over several weeks I had the Ayre KXR,Gryphon Athena and Mirage as well as the XP20.The Pass labs was my second favourite well ahead of the Ayre and the Athena.
It was fatigue free,transparent and great value for money.
I wouldn't hesitate to put it with the 30.8s

[BillK]

If you can find one used, be sure to audition the Ayre KX-R Twenty.

Absolutely incredible, so much better than the original KX-R it's a shame they share the name.

[ctsooner]

I'm with Bill. I have heard the KX-R vs some of the pre amps on your short list and they all are a spect different. The Ayre is in the same league. It's so individual that you need to hear it for yourself at these price points.

[Down Under]

Originally Posted by BillK

If you can find one used, be sure to audition the Ayre KX-R Twenty.

Absolutely incredible, so much better than the original KX-R it's a shame they share the name.

Might be hard to find a twenty used at this early stage of its introduction.
It would need to be a transformation over the original to supplant the qualities of the XP20.

[enatai252]

+1 for KX-R twenty. I personally feel it is well ahead of the preamps you list. Having listened to in my system or owned all but the Cary. But since you have a Pass amp, the synergy with the XP20 might work for you. I personally love the Pass xa amps but can't live with the heat....the preamps including the 30 just never won me over as there are better examples out there. If you had ARC amps I would lean towards the Ref 5 for the same reason. The Ayre KX5 twenty is also very good and at a price range more consistent with your list. Lots of options. Take your time and enjoy the process

[essjay]

I have both a KX5 and ARC Ref 3, powered by an Ayre VX5 for context.

Both companies design out standing pre amps and even after nearly a year of owning both i am still unable to decide which one sounds better because they both sound so good.

Short of the long, do what i did and get one of each then rotate them depending on mood . A tube pre for female vocals, jazz etc... is hard to beat, as is a high quality SS pre for rock and more modern music.

[RichW]

Some great suggestions here. Looks like I am going to have my homework cut out for me in the upcoming days.

Keep em' coming!

[SlowikPL]

I had XA60.8 combined with Aleph-P , XP-20 and now with Audio Research Reference 6. The Last one is amazing. XP-20 I had only 1-2 years. Alpeh-P - 8 Years.

[BillK]

Originally Posted by Down Under

Might be hard to find a twenty used at this early stage of its introduction.
It would need to be a transformation over the original to supplant the qualities of the XP20.

It is - night and day, an absolutely huge improvement, IMHO. (I never knew the KX-R was at all limited until I heard the sound of the Twenty.)

The KX-R Twenty has been out for well over a year at this point, so undoubtedly someone with upgrade-itis has swapped theirs out by now. ;-)