Preamp suggestions for Pass Labs XA100.5

Thank you for all the responses--much appreciated.
To Onemug
I have been tempted to buy a Conrad johnson preamp. I know CJ preamps are supposed to be more tube like in their sound comapred to Audio Research. I wonder if a cheaper preamp in their line such as ET3 or ET3SE would be a good match. I guess it might be a toss up between Conrad Johnson & Audio Research (LS27).

I'd check out the VAC Renaissance pre amp for sale on this site. I think it is a Mk1, so price should be lower than the $4500 asked. This a a superb pre amp with an excellent phono stage thrown in.

I have a Pass Labs XA30.5 mated with a Bruce Moore Audio Companion III tubed linestage preamplifier. It's a great match in that the Companion III get's out of the way of the XA30.5 while adding that bit of dimensionality that a good tubed linestage cn offer. I previously had a First Watt F5 paired with a Bruce Moore Audio Companion IIe tubed preamplifier with excellent results. To me the Pass Labs XA30.5/Buce Moore Companion III pairing is a big step up.

Apdoc2004,

I haven't heard the ET3's but would venture a guess that there would be nice synergy. Many nice things have been said about them. Another CJ pre that I bet would be nice is their earlier Premiere 16's, often called the "mini ART".