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Audible Illusions Modulus 3A Tube Preamplifier
Possibly more than any other preamplifier, the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A has established itself as a classic in it's own time. Countless reviews have positioned the M3A at or near the top of everyone's short list of the very best preamps available, at anywhere the price. Regardless of the final ranking, most would agree the M3A represents one of the best values in audio today.
The M3A is a deceptively simple design, employing a single gain stage, class A triode circuit utilizing no cathode followers or buffers to degrade the sound. It is a basic design concept that has remained a focus of the Modulus circuit topology since its inception over 15 years ago. However, many innovations and improvements along the way have kept the M3A at the forefront of technology and performance.
Inside you'll find a host of superb parts and pieces, along with excellent quality workmanship and great attention to detail. The list of parts includes: Teflon solder mask, OFC circuit board traces, custom film and lead-foil polypropylene capacitors and custom stepped attenuators using high quality metal film resistors.
Since the product began life in 1983, more than 18,300 units have been sold worldwide! Quite an accomplishment, and certainly worthy of the popularity, the M3A stands on its own as a superb audiophile component of the highest caliber.
What is it that makes the M3A such a standout? I'd have to say it is a balance of strengths with few, very few, weaknesses. A strong suit has always been the soundstage, and the M3Acompetes with most any preamp (almost regardless of price) in this area. It develops an absolutely holographic panorama, which is truly a delight to experience.
In sum, it is difficult to fault the Modulus 3A on any count. Look for yourself, but I doubt you'll find a preamp with this level of performance, build-quality and reliability at anywhere near the price.
• Retail price $2795 (Special pricing listed below)
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