Just got Audible Illusions L1, but it sound harsh


I just got a Audible Illusions L1 preamp to replace my Rotel RC 1070. I can hear it is much more detail, it sounds more forward and bigger sound stage. But I also found it too harsh. Especially in vocal, the "s" sound is very loud and quite alloying. I don't have it in my RC 1070, but at the same time, it doesn't sound as musical. It is just like sing behind a curtain. I don't hear that detail, but also, those annoying "s" sound is "filter" out. Is it a characteristic of this preamp? Is there any thing I can do? I am using a Rotel RB 1080 amp. Should I try another preamp? Or try another amp?
gte357s
i think before you drive yourself crazy to take it step by step

in my opinion the first best step would be to replace the tubes. try something older and US made first . Ebay would be a decent, cheaper source
The pre-amp has been running for an hour
Gte357s (Threads | Answers)

1 hour is not enough time to start doing critical listening. Your preamp and cables need more time than that to settle in before you make judgements. Give it at least a couple days then if still necessary start thinking about tweaking things.
The piece of gear in question is about 10 years ago, how much more is it going to settle in?
Face, any component and the associated cables need time to settle in. 1 hour? Not enough imo. Is 1 hour adequate for you to start making assumptions about performance? At minimum I wouldn't conclude anything for at least 24 hrs after putting new (used) gear in my rig.
Whatever you do DONT buy tubes on ebay.Go to Brent Jessie,Tubestore,Upscale etc etc.Cat must be crazy but theres all kinds here,YMMV,Bob