Which preamp to buy?

I really love my Audible Illusions Modulus 3A so much that I was thinking of buying their first; an AI M1 that just went up for sale. Whatever, an AI M3A is a step in the right direction. It takes much more bucko's after that.

I am using a Krell 2250 w/Thiel 3.5's and a VTL 5.5. The 5.5 is quite good w/excellent bass control. It has remote volume, mute, phase inversion, and HT bypass. I previously had a Krell KSL (I still have it) and I really like the detail, warmth and "creaminess" that the VTL has added. There is a used one at Upscale Audio. Of course, your source will also have some effect on this. Good luck. I think you are really on the right track.

If you can find a PSE HL1 it is much better than the VTL 5.5. You can usually buy for around $1,200 or so. Dean does and upgrade to this also which takes the HL1 to a league that only the top preamps can beat.