2. amps-preamps
  3. 1100831673

Audible Illusions L-1 vs. Marsh P2000T preamps?

HI. I have about $800 to spend on a good used preamp. I would like to have a nice tube preamp that is still detailed and not too "molasses-like". 2 items I am looking at are the Audible Illusions L-1 and Marsh P2000T. I have used cheaper SS preamps in my system, and I like the detail, but not the grain. The highs of some tubes I have heard are quite desirable as well. I am pairing it with a somewhat warm SS amp and "musical" speakers (Von Schweikert VR-2).

The Audible Illusions L-1 is a pure tube preamp, while the Marsh is a hybrid. I have heard that the L-1 is the same unit as the 3A without the phono stage (which I don't need). The Marsh, while I haven't been able to get too much info on it, seems to be very well recieved by those who have heard it.

Any opinions on either of these two units?
chiho

Showing 1 response by raquel

raquel
841 posts
 
The L-1 and 3A are not identical -- the 3A is dual mono and features dual volume controls.

I hear you about grain in lesser quality SS preamps. That said, you may want to consider adding the Audio Research LS-3 SS amp to your list. Available for $600-$700 used, I have owned one for nine years and it definitely holds its own against the much more costly preamps that have succeeded it in my main system (I use the LS-3 in my second system). It does everything very well (grain-free, very musical, dynamic, extended, transparent and well-built) and retailed for $1,700 when released in 1995.

I have no experience with the Marsh. The L-1 is a very nice preamp for the money (about equal to my LS-3 in overall value -- a touch more bloom and less extended at the frequency extremes in comparison).

Good luck.
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