Amp/Preamp comparisons - Plinius vs Herron, Audible Illusions vs Allnic vs Herron

I have owned the Plinius SA100 mk3. The M16 pre is the weak link. I did try several preamps with the SA100 mk3 and although they sounded more transparent than the M16, the overall sound was still excessively warm and thick with a lack in clarity, air and extension in the treble. The bass was full and punchy but lacks some definition and detail. Perhaps the SA102 is an improved version of the SA100 mk3 which resolves all the shortcomings of the latter.

In summary, look at a different preamp for the SA103 if you intend to retain the power amp. As I do not have experience with the gear concerned, i hope others who have experience will chime in. Or you could pick a completely different path by getting something else which suits your loudspeakers and listening preference.

Good luck.

i have not heard a herron but my understanding his better units are equals to the mid level modern conrad johnson or audio research tube linestages, which are excellent sonically and in build quality

c-j or arc tube unit into a high grade solid state amp can be a wonderful combo

audible illusions is a very good sounding unit, but it fries tubes and gets noisy/hissy wayyy too fast, and customer service can be problematic if needed

plinius’ unit doesn’t belong in this conversation... it is not in the same league

i don't know anything about allnic stuff

I think Plinius SA102 is a better amp than SA100 mk3.

plinius’ unit doesn’t belong in this conversation... it is not in the same league

Are you saying that Plinius is inferior or superior? If it is inferior, Hegel M1A would be a clear upgrade.
Maybe I will go for all Herron solution.

op 

sorry i wasn't clear... i was referring to the plinius preamp

plinius power amps are very nice

Right. I had Plinius CD LAD preamp, and it was also underwhelming. 
The built in phono of M16P is pretty good though.