Pre: Audible Illusions vs Joule-Electra vs ARC?

You really need to hear them all for yourself paired with the amp of your choice. Most people would be happy to own any one of these three preamps; but then the people in these forums are not "most" people.

I wish it were possible. The only way that could happen is if I buy all of them, audition them, and then sell the 2 I don't want. A bit rich for my blood.

I owned a Mod3 for many years and still own an LA-100 (and an ARC LS-25, FWIW).

The AI is a great sounding piece: it's full/rich in a typically tubey way. It's relatively inexpensive and has a very nice phono stage. Unfortunately, AI is legendary for poor customer service, so buying an older used piece may be a recipe for trouble. Also, ergonomics (no remote, dual volume controls) may not be for everybody.

My impression is that the Joule sounds less overtly tubey, and more transparent to the source material. It is a bit leaner in the mid-bass than the AI. I got the sense that, like the AI, it might limit the system's ultimate "thump" and power around the 50-60 hz kick drum zone, but it's hard to say that with real confidence.

OTOH, the Joule never goes to the "analytical" side of things and keeps a bit of tube flavor. My ARC LS flirts with a more SS presentation, but it's generally considered the ARC most inclined to do that, so I'd warn against assuming that's true of the SP you're also considering.

The Joule strikes me as a good balance between classic SS and classic tube sound. If you really want more tube richness, the AI might bark up your tree.

Good Luck.

Marty