Pre for Pass XA60.5

After I purchased the Pass amps, my dealer let me demo the XP-20. I liked it a lot. I preferred my tube pres and returned the 20 but I told the dealer, "If any of my tube preamps ever give me a problem, I will just send you a check for a new 20." So far my tube pres have been flawless so that's what I use.

In comparison: I heard more dynamic contrast with the CJ's especially at low volume levels where I do a lot of my listening. The 20 could do low levels very well but the tubes showed more contrast at those levels.

This is not to say that any tube pre will work for me. What attracted me to the ART and ACT was their design: class A,no NFB,just one gain stage and no cathode follower. It's hard to get any simpler than that but it all comes down to how it sounds to "you" and these sound great to me.

I've been using a Purity Audio Design Ultra GT pre-amp with my XA100.5s and a pair of Wilson Sashas. I can't say enough good things about the match. The guys at Purity really went all out on this beast - Dueland coupling caps, Bybees purifiers and music rails, separate acrylic chassis, silver throughout, etc. The dual 12AU7s allow me the perfect amount of tuning to compliment my tastes.

Bill and Joe from Purity are class acts and have been receiving some great reviews on their stuff. Worth a look.

I would also point you to the Purity Audio Design Reference (two steps below the Ultra GT). I haven't listened to it but I trust Martin G. DeWulf's ears. He is not prone to exhuberance, but he raved about it on the latest issue of Bound for Sound.

Dear Onemug,
Many thanks again for your time!
Did you (or also others) compare your ACT 2.2 with a VAC Ren. Sig. MKII or a Hovland HP200 or a Lamm LL2 deluxe together with the Pass XA.5´s?
Those units are also sometimes on offer as used items here in Europe and are (as I guess) in a similar price range.
Your answer also shows me that the XP20 would also be a quite good choice.

Dear Mwilliams,
What other pres did you use with your XA30.5 which were bettered in your system by the Vac?
Many thanks in advance!