Pre-amp suggestions for Thiel 2.4/Pass Labs XA30.5

Tomcy6, actually Stereophile measured 130, 195, 332 Watts into 8, 4, 2 Ohms respectively, before clipping (as defined by 1% THD). If one were to use the 2 Ohm measure and work up, it would start to look more like an 80 Watt high current Class AB amp. Since the OP speakers don't drop to 2 Ohms, I thought we could be a little more generous with a 100 Watt high current Class AB designation. All in all, still rather close to Thiel's minimum recommended power.

I had a Thiel 2.4SE which I traded up for a 3.7

I've heard it with different combinations of Pre and Power before.

For my money, I found the Bel Canto Pre3 and REF500M to be a good pairing. I found the Bel Canto

If the budget could stretch further, I'd use a tube preamp which adds lushness and some 3dimensionality. I've heard it partner well with LAMM preamps and also with my Audio Research Ref5 and now 5SE. I am not a fan of overly warm and slow music reproduction and like dynamics so these two have been a great combination for me when I use SS power amps.

Unsound, I stand corrected.

Nothing personal, just for the record.:-)

I have had great luck pairing the Musical Fidelity kW preamp with Nelson Pass's First Watt amps. There is one for sale used now I believe. You will be hard pressed to find a better preamp for the money. Check out the Stereophile review (and the review's measurements), and other reviews on the unit. A tank, with a massive power supply. Truly the game changer in my system.