2. amps-preamps
  3. 1058508847

AI L1 sound better than AI M3?

I just replaced my Audible Illusions L1 with a used Audible Illusions M3 cause I bought a Scout. Don't know if my ears are deceiving me, but I think the L1 sounds much better playing my CD player. Might be that I have 6H23 tubes in the L1 but 6922s in the M3. Does anyone have any experience with both of these preamps and have an opinion on which sounds better?

Thanks,
Winston
wcheng
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Owned the L1 thought they are the same except for the phono stage.I could see where a diferant tube might change the sound or maybe a bad one .Hope this helps.JK
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
It's been a while since I had my L1, but did you use the tape input or the cd input?
One of those was a direct shot and provided a cleaner signal path, and this was by design. I believe the manual talked about that. I ran my that way with amazing results. Still miss it...(except when I reach for my remote and beer at the same time..)
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Cytocycle is right the L1 -3 have dual amp outputs 1 is buffered also the aux is the best imput, the cd is buffered?I think. took me awhile to remember .I could be wrong been awhile since I owned the L1.JK
sstark
63 posts
 
There were updates to both which you can tell only by comparing the dates on the circuit board inside. But I doubt very much that's what your hearing. First the tubes must be upgraded if you want to perfect the sound. Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio has 6H23 best quality tubes which you can purchase-best bang for the buck still $30@. NOS could be better but expensive and life will be shorter. Next for for CD use aux or tape, but never CD which hasbuffering.
More to discover