Audible Illusions M3A or AI L-1 and CJ EV-1


I just got a turntable and bought a used M3 to replace my L-1, but to my ears the L-1 sounds better. I called AI to make sure I wasn't having a case of audiophilia nervosa and they said that indeed the L-1 is better than the M3. But they also said that the M3A is better than the L-1. So now I want to upgrade, but I'm wondering if the L-1 with a CJ EV-1 would be better or the M3A. Does anyone have any experience with these setups? BTW, those two volume knobs on the M3 are driving me CRAZY!

Thanks,
Winston
wcheng
Another Bruce Moore design is the MFA Magus. It is more musical than the AI design. It certainly sounds better than the CJ.
I owned an M3A (in fact two of them) and I honestly like the L-1 better. It may have a touch more "Tubey" sound. The M3A was noisier and a little leaner sounding. Also, the volume is much easier to control with the L-1. The M3A phono section is a good one, no doubt about it. However, my vote goes for the L-1 and an outboard phono. They're certainly a lot of them to choose from.
BTW, AI has come out with the new L-2 linestage with remote and a phono section(sold as a add-on) for it. I have one on order so as of right now, I can't comment on its qualities.