Aesthetix Atlas Compared to Pass Labs XA30.8

I'll echo others' comments that the speaker will help drive the selection of the amp.  I formerly had Thiel 2.4s in my big rig system and found that the Pass X150.8 drove those speakers better than anything else around. I asked Kent whether it would be best to get the XA series monos or an X series and while I was prepared to spend the $ to buy the XA monos, Kent steered me to the X series for the Thiel.  The Pass products warmed up the Thiels beautifully.  However I've now moved on to Magnepan 20.7's and I prefer the Atlas on that speaker.  I'm also running the Aesthetix Janus.

I would suggest putting that Calypso back in the chain.  I’ve gone directly from dac to amp (xa30.8) and heard a positive difference including the pre.  Give it a try.

Especially IF you have the preamp laying around... listen