Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else

@opm, how open are you to demoing other preamplifiers before you mess with changing to other amps or speakers?  

I ask because there are countless references to folks changing out the XP12 for the X22/XP32 -and/or- good tube preamps with really positive results.  Each preamp in the Pass lineup having different characteristics. Paring a warm veiled over preamp with a warmish amp will do exactly what you describe. Not all pre/amps are good pairings, recheck this.  
Call Kent English at Pass if you stay with Pass on your next preamp. Ask him about other pairing options with your current XA30.8 amplifier.    

Checking with a reference this morning, noted this if you stay with Pass:
"With the 22 over the 12 you get just more of everything great. Blacker background, more details, tighter and more detailed bass, and a little larger soundstage".

Or, tube preamp:
Surf around and you will find countless references on various forums of folks pairing really good tube preamplifiers with X and XA amplifiers and super happy with the results.  Good Luck, its definitely worth a try.  
  

I use Luxman with large tannoy ardens... Great control of massive 15 inch driver but musical from mouse level to house breaking.... 

And that's just the supposed 20w from the Luxman ax550 II..... If speakers above 93db ish then no problem 

The XA30.8 is WAY more than 30 wpc output..  
I had the XA25 for about a year, what a great amp !!  The only reason I let it go, was for the First Watt SIT3. I did move up the the XP22 from the XP12, which was a nice upgrade..  what a hobby

@mikem 

All amplifiers that I would love to hear. Regardless of the order that you purchased them, as you sit back now what is your order of preference for the three?

@jetter 
All dependent on your speakers..
The SIT3 is very special..  it’s very SET like..  upfront presentation, black quiet background where music emerges effortlessly..  unlike anything I ever owned..  my first choice if you have the right speakers. The XA25 is a close 2nd, more power to drive most speakers, more heft/weight to demanding peaks than the SIT3, but not as “live” sounding when compared to the SIT3 . Very transparent and non fatiguing. I listened for hours on end, makes you want to open it up and look inside for hidden tubes.
Leaning to the right of neutral. I had a hard time letting it go. I kept them both, but not very practical as I Have another pass amp in the other room.
I only heard the 30.8  at a friends house in his system. That’s what inspired me to get the XA25 as the 30.8 is massive! It has a similar pass house sound. Leaning to the warm side of neutral. But has lots of dynamics. You can tell the power supply and amp is underrated as it’s like always wanting to present itself in a dynamic way, very transparent. My friend is using it with very sensitive Horn hybrid type speakers, I don’t think it’s a good match personally at 102 DB sensitivity, I would be using a 2A3 monos. I’m surprised it’s quiet enough to be used with such a sensitive speaker, but it is dead quiet background. Really speaks to pass designs. I was quite happy with just the XA25, but I had the opportunity to get a new SIT3  amp, one of the last ones to be sold out of the 250 that were made...  
im enjoying these lower powered amps. They’re easier to move and purchase and they make you realize just how powerful a few watts can be.