Pass XP-32 vs. Luxman C-900u?

@joeinid if you are using a DAC direct to amp the LA4 is something to try out. That volume control can justify the cost and may make your DAC sound even better. For example, I think the Benchmark DAC3B + HPA4 is better sounding to me over the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, even though Benchmark says they sound the same. This is with the HGC driving a amp. I owned both DACs.

I always prefer a preamp in my system. I have some gear to move before any major changes but the LA-4 should be an easy reach. I did demo the ABH2 and loved a lot about it but preferred some "less neutral" amps at the time. Could be fun to revisit the stack.

I run the Luxman C-9000u preamp and it is wonderful, probably not 20K wonderful. Found one used and very clean.  I was running the Weiss 501 DAC as a DAC obviously and a preamp.  Tom at Big Ear suggested that as very talented as the Weiss preamp is, a high quality preamp would probably be more dynamic.  He was correct.

The Luxman has great drive and improved sound stage.  And it is just plain gorgeous.  I know, you cannot hear gorgeous.  But then my speakers are in rosewood.  And I cannot hear rosewood.