Recommended Preamp for Pass Labs XA30.8 and why

Welcome! eddiekuo

you cannot go wrong w/ Aesthetix, ARC or CJ.
At this price-point and level of performance, listen to the models of interest prior to buying.

The the new Micro ZOTL version with 3 inputs and remote is called the MZ2-S. I have ordered one and will have it next week. I already own 2 Micro ZOTL's and can say that it's the finest preamp I've ever heard. The only thing that's hard to believe is the price. you can't go wrong with a trial period. If you don't like it send it back, even the shipping is cheap because the thing weights next to nothing.

My XP20 does have a tape loop which I do use hooked up to a headphone amp. 

The Rogue Audio RP-5 tube preamp fits the bill.  Plenty of inputs and a great MM MC phono stage, plus a processor loop and outputs for headphones.  I am positively thrilled with mine and I have a;ways had tube preamps.  It also is remote controlled and is dead quiet, even with the volume all the way up, no hiss whatsoever.

I am familiar with the Aesthetix  Calypso and while it is not a warm preamp, it does respond to the tubes you put in it, so you can adjust the sound with tubes.  It has a remote with balance control, which I like.

The only drawback with the tubes is that the tube that handles voltage amplification is a 12AX7, which is not as common and is usually more expensive than other tube types for NOS tubes.  For current production tubes, cost is not a factor. 

I don't know how it compares with the other preamps mentioned, but it's a good preamp and would work well in your system with the right tubes.

Buy your tubes from a reputable dealer and talk to them about what you want soundwise before placing an order. That will save you a lot of money and help ensure you get the sound you want.

Some reputable dealers, but not all, are:

Upscale Audio

Brent Jessee

Vintage Tube Services

Jim McShane

Tubemonger

There are more. Just search the archives for "tube dealers" and you’ll find a number of threads on this topic.