2. amps-preamps
  3. 1242898492

Audible Illusions Preamp

I would appreciate if someone can enlighten in chronological order which preamp in the Audible Illusions line that came out first and which is the current model from the L1, L2, 3A, 2C, (or any others I've missed). It would also be useful if someone can advise whether the sonic character is consistent throughout the range or there is a particular model that stands out from the rest in sound quality.

Thanks in advance.
ryder
jebe1
75 posts
 
Check the manufacturing history at the Audible Illusions website.
richlane
167 posts
 
I have to agree with Peter_s. I felt that the sound of the Audible Illusions was somewhat compressed and it lacked dynamics and presence. I've owned and enjoyed a VTL Super Deluxe Preamp for the past 15 years, until I recently upgraded to an MBL 6010D.

If you're considering the Audible Illusions, then I think you should also consider a similarly priced VTL, perhaps a 2.5 or 5.5
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
I've head the VTL in my system (2.5), and while not super 3D, it gets the timing and the rhythm right and the music comes through well. I would choose it above the 3a for sure. I've heard the 5.5 is even better.
aljordan
46 posts
 
Hi,

I owned a Modulus 3A for a long time and loved it. One poster said that he thought it lacked dynamics, and that could be true depending on the amp it was matched up with. The version of the Modulus 3A that I owned (circa 1999) needed an amp with an input impedance of at least 50 kOhms. If you followed the guidelines, it was a great preamp that had very nice dynamics.

I had to sell mine when I upgraded my amplifier to a more modern design that had quite a low input impedance. Mated with with a low input impedance amp, the Modulus 3A sounded thin and lacked dynamics. However, match it up properly and it is a beauty. Maybe the newer version of the 3A drives low impedance loads better, but I'm not sure.

Alan
ryder OP
1,746 posts
 
I have tried the preamp which was an L1. Unfortunately it wasn't an improvement to my ARC LS-16. In comparison it was unrefined and little shut-in. I think what others have said about the Audible Illusions being compressed and lacking in dynamics may have mirrored my thoughts. The good thing is the unit comes quite close to the ARC at half the cost. May be a gem for those seeking a budget unit that sounds excellent at its price range.
More to discover