2. amps-preamps
  3. 130840-82797

Audible Illusions Modulus PreAmp>Best Amplifier Match Ever!

For those who either had or still have an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A/3B pre-amp, what is/was the best solid state amplifier ever mated with the Modulus sonically; is there a "killer combination" that delivers/delivered that "goose-bump", audiophile experience?
moving_daneedle
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,266 posts
 

When I had my 3B, it was mated to an Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp and I got many a goosebump.  You must use the 6h23neb tubes in the preamp to get this.

phd
1,281 posts
 
When I owned the Audible Illusions 3A it was mated to a McCormack DNA-1 with revisions, the sound produced was spectacular. Keep in mind that Audible Illusion preamps are heavily regulated and are designed to work very well with solid state amps. Also Audible Illusions only produced solid state amps at one time, maybe they still do but not sure.
gareneau
110 posts
 

Stereo5,

From Dick Olsher's 2016 review of the AI L3A:

Then, in the mid-1980s, Art discovered the Russian 6H23n-EB, really a premium version of the 6922. Not only is it a good-sounding triode, but it also happens to be rugged, exceptionally linear, low in microphonics, and, according to Art, very stable in his zero-feedback tube designs. Subsequently, all of AI’s Series 3 preamps since 1989 have this Russian tube installed in the linestage. Note that AI no longer recommends Russian-branded (e.g., Sovtek) 6922s due to poor quality control. AI will continue to use NOS Russian-military 6H23n-EB tubes until AI’s Russian distributor can no longer supply them, at which time Art says he will probably switch to the Russian 6H30 tube.

My point being the AI's stock tubes appear to be the ones you mention as having to use.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,266 posts
 
I mentioned the tubes because many people put in 6922 or some exotic Telefunckin or Mullard tubes and then bitch when they die after a month or two.
elader
13 posts
 
I had other tubes fail pretty quickly in the AIM3A. Even though they were supposed to be for the preamp.

Used the 'real tubes' from AI now and things are good.

I have it paired to a Primaluna Amp.
More to discover