Pass Labs XP32 or XP22?

Look elsewhere. Pass amplification is fantastic...their preamps are anemic and not terribly musical, in my experience. I paired my XA60.8's first with an XP20, then an XP30, and was let down considerably with each "step up". I worked with Aric at Aric Audio on a bespoke tube preamp and those Pass amps sang like never before. 

I have long paired a Audio Research preamps with Pass Labs amps. This is a very good combination to get the most out of great Pass amps.

I had the same experience as laaudionut with my Pass XA60.8 amps and XP22 preamp.  The XP22 was nice, it was plenty detailed and has some nice features, but I was missing an emotional connection with the music. After much research, I contacted Aric who built me a special balanced version of his Motherlode preamp.  It is now listed as the Motherlode XL.  It mates beautifully with my Pass amps and has brought a much higher level of musical enjoyment.  Plus, it is less expensive than the XP22. 

I'm so thrilled with my preamp, that Aric is now building me a pair of higher power monoblocks with all the best parts available.  I can't wait to hear them!

I'm happy with a FirstWatt F8 driven by a Van Alstine Transcendence RB 10 preamp.

Backert and believe me you will never look back. I have a Rhythm Extreme paired with a Pass XA 30.8. They sound fantastic together. I’ve been in this hobby since the very early 70’s and I’m here to tell you I felt as if I hit the jackpot with this combination.