Recommended Preamp for Pass Labs XA30.8 and why

I believe that Linear Tube Audio's MicroZOTL is a very special headphone amp / preamp.
Both TAS and Stereophile also have very positive reviews.
But with only two inputs / no remote / DC power supply.....
Hope I’ll have the chance to demo one in home in the future.

Because of space limit, I can only consider Pass Labs' SP10.
Actually I also considered Pass Labs' INT-60 integrated when I bought the XA30.8.
Pass' preamp has no HT bypass in or fixed record/tape out, so it can't be used with a headphone amp.
I would have purchased the INT-60 instead if not for the lacking of some preamp functions.
And I remember that lots of people recommend to mate tube preamp with solid state power amp.
I hope I can find other brand to match Pass perfectly.....

Pass xa30.8 is a robust and full sounding amp. It is not quickest though. I would suggest to get a preamp that is fast! Linear tube audio is a good option. So is CJ and ARC. Any preamp that slows down the proceedings a bit to favor tonal fullness or bloom should be avoided with these Pass amps.

Welcome! eddiekuo

you cannot go wrong w/ Aesthetix, ARC or CJ.
At this price-point and level of performance, listen to the models of interest prior to buying.

The the new Micro ZOTL version with 3 inputs and remote is called the MZ2-S. I have ordered one and will have it next week. I already own 2 Micro ZOTL's and can say that it's the finest preamp I've ever heard. The only thing that's hard to believe is the price. you can't go wrong with a trial period. If you don't like it send it back, even the shipping is cheap because the thing weights next to nothing.

My XP20 does have a tape loop which I do use hooked up to a headphone amp.