Audible Illusions: how good really

Well, I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I own the Audible Illusions Mod 1 which I have had for at least 10 years. I am extremely pleased with it and wouldn't hesitate to consider the 3A. At the price, I think it's better than any bread I could slice.

I owned this preamp and had good sound. Then I listened to a CAT sl1 ultimate. Now I have great sound. For the price it is a decent preamp but I would never purchase another.

I have an L-1 which is the 3A without the phono stage. It is awesome and is very transparent. And that's the point.

I have auditioned at least 10 pre-amps and I now have the latest version of the A I M3A.I also have the best recommended tubes in it.Of the 4 others that I have owned and of the rest that I have auditioned ,this is by far the best.The L I while sounding good in its own right is not the same animal and has not kept up with all of the upgrades the the M3A has had in regular production models.

I've had a AI2 d for 6 years and no problems at all. The 3a w/phono if you need it can't be beat. Most pre-amps in that price range are solid state and that is enough to make your decision right there. I think you would find greater pride of ownership in a tube product vs SS.