Melos SHA Gold Vs. Audible Illusions L1.


As I have the chance to buy both
for the same price,I kindly request
advice on the matter as I have to take
a quick decision ( I hate those when buying
audio equipment, don't you !?).
Thanks!

John
jstones
Go with the L-1. If you research "audioreview.com" for Melos products you'll see comments which will lead one to believe that Melos may have had the worst customer service in the entire univerise. I mean we're talking real horror stories here. Also, there is some question as to whether Melos still exists. They disappeared from their New Jersey base and many months later resurfaced in, I think, California. Perhaps to get away as far as possible? Still, to the best of my knowledge, no new products from them yet.
Now, the Audible Illusions L-1 can only be described, in my opinion, as heavenly. If you don't need a phono stage,get it. Separate power supply, world class quality headphone amp, line stage based on the famed Modulus 3A, excellent build quality, and available on the used market for about $750-$800.
Or, buy both, live with them for a while, keep the one you like best. I believe the SHA Gold has remote and the AI does not, which would be a big factor for some people, me included.
I have had the AI 3, L1 and Melos Sha Gold B, the Melos has remote control,is balanced, and has a great headphone amp built into it and overall just sounds better. If you have not dealt with AI just wait, their customer service is nothing to write home about. My experiences with all three units was very good. Te Melos folks are located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I preferred the Sha Gold B over the other two.