Pass Labs XP32 or XP22?


I am considering buying Pass Labs, specifically the XA60.8 monoblocks. I am hoping that someone familiar with the preams could advise me.  XP22 or XP32?

Thank you

128x128muaythai

Go to the source, no one knows more.  I would call or email Pass Labs and discuss with them.  There's a guy that just does the preamp design and guessing you can dialog with him.  I believe it is Wayne Colburn.  Let them know exactly what you are trying to accomplish, what equipment you have and your room size.  When it is good, it is really, really good.  I I don't think they will just try to up-sell and you can tell if that is their goal pretty quickly.  Sometimes creators are just geeking out on their own thoughts and circuitry but ask pointed questions about "sound quality".  Engineers can be fun.  You can also ask about other speaker suggestions and things. 

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!