Preamp for Pass Labs XA30.5

I am using a Modwright 9.0 Sig ( make sure it is the Sig edition). You can get it used for $1500 and it is a great combo in my system. I have not compared it though to any of the other offerings mentioned above.

If you can find a Burson PRE-160 (used) it would be a nice match. Even on the colors, both are silver. ;)

The most rewarding experience for me with the XA30.5 is feeding direct from the PSA PWD. Same experience as Erndog wrote in the above post. Other than that my personal preference would be tube preamps.

Would you consider selling your amp and adding the $2k to buy a Pass Labs INT30.5? I think this is basically an integrated amp based on the XA30.5 and XP10. I have not heard it, but one advantage is having only one box. I have read a good review on the net.

Barring that option, I would consider an X-1. I used one with my XA100.5 before upgrading to the XP-20. It is not as good as the new XP generation, but it is within your price range and I have found Pass amps mate very well with Pass preamps.

There is also the FirstWatt B-1 buffer, though I would contact Pass to see if it is appropriate for your situation.

This is going to be an eye opener/ Look for diy for xa30.5 not the amp but THE PRE SECTION. aS LONG AS YOUR NOT A HEAD BANGER,PASSIVE PRE'S BY NELSON HIMSELF AND DIY COMMNUITY CAN PUT YOU IN THE DIRECTION,MUCH LESS FILTERS LESS DISTORTION AND A WHOLE LOT OF FOOT-TAPPING ESPECIALLY ON VINYL. MY ROOM IS 24WIDE X32 LONG AND THE PASSIVE FILLS IT WITH THE MOST MUSICAL SENSES THAT YOU CAN COME BY. DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD CRAPPY SOUNDING UNITS,PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND LISTEN TO A WELL PAID PASS DESIGN. **REMEMBER IT"S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC**/DBB