Itching to upgrade preamp...

PS audiojan OP:

Also to try what I posted above, try putting everything through the  PS Audio PP12  except for the XA60.5.

In every A/B experiment I've done with conditioners and power amps (especially Class-A) they always sound better direct into the mains.

As any conditioner will have some sort of series impedance and this is a no no for an amps power supply if it's to remain nice and stiff. 

Cheers George

You have a fine system. The Pass X0.2 is a great preamp. If you just want to change call Wayne Colburn to see if you can get some synergy to the XA60.5 with the Pass X20 or later. Changing the X0.2 will not improve your imaging. I would suggest to redo your room setup and room treatment.

You owe it to yourself to try Nelson Pass' B1 passive preamp.

@georgehifi I used to go direct from the DS Sr to the XA60.5, but inserting the preamp added quite a bit more space and drive. I do think the preamp is necessary to get the most out of it. Not that the DS is bad, just that the X0.2 is better.

Going through the P12 does actually improve the XA60.5. Yes, it looses a bit of low end slam, but it gains in terms of imaging. It's trade off that I can live with.

@oldears Maybe you're right... it could very well be that the X0.2 is not the limiting factor. Only way to find out is to demo some other pre's (trying a PrimaLuna EVO400 today). As to the room, not much can be done with the layout. It's a dedicated room, but I can't "turn it 90deg" as it would be too short. There's a mixture between acoustic panels and acoustic diffusers. I used to own a recording studio, so I'm quite familiar with acoustics to how to get the most out of the room (wouldn't call myself an expert, but knowledgeable enough not to screw it up too badly).

@d2grils I'm not sure a passive preamp would achieve anything... that would be just like driving the amps directly via the DirectStream Sr... does sound good, but you do lose drive and space.