Pass Labs XP32 or XP22?

@jcarcopo Disclaimer: These views do not represent the views of Aric Audio or it’s parent company Aric Audio and are exclusively the views of jcarcopo 😆

@aricaudio I'm happy I made you laugh!  It's a bit I used to do on irc chat for the audio asylum when I would interject a "brought to you by xyz manufacturer" intermission when I or anyone fanatical for any particular brand especially if we all like or more than two felt the same way and often rightfully so.  I've heard great things about you and your products so it's an honor to make you laugh.  I will remember to add a more definitive disclaimer in #2 font.  Have an A1 day sir!

Admittedly, my comment above might have been the slightest of plugs for Aric and his gear. But my personal advice to pair Pass Class A amps with a well curated tube preamp, was my intended point. Don't make the mistake that I did in assuming that the symmetry of pairing a Pass amp(s) with a Pass preamp is the best path to sonic nirvana. You should call Aric, however...

Anyone see this: 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pass-labs-xp-30-vs-ayre-kxr-pre?highlight=pass%2Blabs%2Bxp%2Bvs.%2Bayre

and this:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ayre-xk-r-vs-pass-lab-xp-20?highlight=pass%2Blabs%2Bxp%2Bvs.%2Bayre

Possibly of interest.

When moving up the preamp chain from XP12 I was between XP22 and ARC Ref 5 SE to pair with my Pass XA30.8. Ended up with the XP22 despite being close to pulling the trigger on a Ref 5SE. I just didn’t want tubes anymore right now (had enough with the Rogue tubed preamps and amp I owned for almost 2 years).
Anyway, really like the XP22. It’s quiet, detailed and natural sounding. Compliments the XA well.

I can also vouch for the ARC preamp pairing with the Pass amplification. I ran several ARC preamps into an X250.5 amp and it was stellar. It sounded amazing despite the tube rush ( ARC LS25 and Ref1).