New to Preamp - Preamp suggestion around 10k

@cming0038. Thanks for clarifying that you have top of the range Stax equipment.

To be frank, I don't think what you are trying to do makes sense. The only thing the bypass function on the 8000 does is to remove the volume control from the circuit. So your signal will still be going through all of the 8000s amplification circuitry and all you will be doing is to precondition the signal by putting it through a preamp before you input it to the 8000.

I don't think that will radically alter the sonic character of the 8000 though that can only be known by trying it, I suppose.

Though I rarely recommend buying two of anything, you might be better investing in an alternative setup with a top quality pair of dynamic headphones. You may have done that already, but you'd description of what you want to change in the Stax's is, to me, fairly reflective of the basic differences in character between electrostatic and dynamic designs.

I haven't heard it myself, but am interested in knowing how many would consider a BAT VK-80 to have a slight bit of warmth the OP is inquiring about.

Also - don’t know how you feel about "Stax Mafia" / Kevin Gilmore electrostatic amp designs, but you might consider snagging a KGST (cheaper), KGGG (more expensive), or BHSE (Headamp, more expensive) when they come up on the used market. Just avoid any Chinese builds and stick to known builders.

Even the T-8000 is reportedly significantly underpowered compared to the Gilmore designs. I admittedly listen pretty loud, and have heard the Stax 727 absolutely fall apart, to mush, as I raised volume. You won’t get good dynamics and solid imaging if it’s going that way, and a more powerful amp would have a much bigger impact than adding the preamp in that case. The Mafia’s all-solid-state deigns (KGSShv, Carbon) can be a bit on the leaner and brighter side, which I definitely don’t prefer, but their tube hybrid designs really pull it together for my tastes.

In particular I find the KGST a nice pairing with L700 and 009 without breaking the bank.

• KGST - Kevin Gilmore Single Triode, using 6S4A tubes. It's the simplest amp in this lineup.
• KGGG - Kevin Gilmore Grounded Grid (EL34 driven with grounded grid)
• KGSShv - Kevin Gilmore Solid State, High Voltage version
• Carbon - Modified & improved KGSShv with Silicon Carbide FET output transistors
• BHSE - Blue Hawaii was Kevin’s first attempt to replicate Stax’s legendary T2 amplifier before he had access to its circuit diagram. Her scribbled out this design on a cocktail napkin while drinking Blue Hawaii’s on vacation lol. The "SE" indicates Headamp’s (Justin Wilson) improved and modified version.

I suggest you take a look at Thomas Mayer's 10y Line Preamp.

https://www.vinylsavor.com/

His tube gear is hand built by him to custom order with numerous options available.
He is a very experienced world class engineer and designer. The parts and build quality are at the highest level. He is even producing his own tubes (Elrog brand). How many tube amp designer/builders are doing that?

You mentioned being in Asia and I believe he has a shop representing him in Hong Kong where you could audition his designs. It might also be possible in Singapore but maybe only Hong Kong.

You can email him to find out more. He answers promptly and deals personally with each customer. Very few (if any) others offer all that.

I purchased a used Pass XP-32 for 11.5K.  I would highly recommend it.  Great sound stage.  Super quiet.  Very natural sounding.  This was a significant step up over my Cary SLP 05 with the upgrade and NOS tubes.