Audible Illusions modulus 3A, what would be the next level of up grade?

The best part of any Audible Illusions preamp is their phono section, especially the John Curl MC one.  I was upgrading to a better speaker long ago when I first bought the 2D.  After hearing what I could getting sound improvement from over doubling the cost of $900 speakers back in 1990, I kept hearing such a great difference in the sound with any of their speakers vs. my own setup.  I had a good PS Audio preamp with phono then and brought it back in to Quintessence Audio to listen to it vs. the AI 2D.  The AI just brought the music to life and was very organic and beautiful sounding with every record I played--so much so that I bought the 2D for $800 and had a very significant improvement to my system for a whole lot less than buying the better sounding speakers.   The 3A was just as impressive when I bought it later.

+1 ssand.

I only did a six month stretch and used original equipped tubes. The excuses for what was initially described as a two week all needed parts were on hand repair/upgrade became the most unbelievably lame experience. I even took to using unfamiliar phone numbers to simply get through to them.

It wasn't until I demanded in a registered letter to return my preamp and refund my money when I received the completed unit eight business days later.

After the repair/upgrade it didn't sound any different and the replaced dual mono attenuators had little change in their range as was promised. I listened to it for a few hours and put up for sale. I wouldn't recommend any aspect of that preamplifier or their support.

If I'm not mistaken this was the inspiration and Audibly a huge step up to my ear.

 https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/bruce-moore-companion-iii-preamplifier-7-2003.html

there has been some good feedback and suggestions so far. Interesting experiences as well. Thanks.
I seem to be drawn to the Don Sach pre amp, at the moment.
being a newbie on this site, how do you PM someone?

Hi-

I posted a review about a number of (phono) preamps recently that included a stint with a mod 3b (also had a mod 3a).  
See my: Preamp Shootout thread in the forum.
As an update to my piece - I am now listening to the following: Benz LP-S, Coincident Dragons and VSA VR-4SR’s. using two phono sections- the Doge 8 Clarity with Sylvania 5751 tubes in the phono (and GE 6201’s in the linestage ) and an EAR SUT or an Aesthetix I/O sig with NOS tubes into the linestage of the Doge 8.  Both setups are awesome in their own right but for price/performance,j the Doge 8 with a SUT is almost untouchable.

I would also recommend checking out the Calypso. I am using one currently after owning an Audible Illusions L-1. I would not describe the Calypso as noisy. They did have at one point a batch of noisy tubes sent out, so that may be the issue. I am still getting used to the sound, but I would say there is a texture to the sound, that may not be as “clean” as the AI, but somehow is more organic, with weight to the music. Imaging is also improved. It is definitely worth a listen.