Well Ive owned audio reserach LsI and Ls2Bmk2. Also Audible illusions M3. The audible illusions dosent have balanced output. No Big Deal Its not true balanced from in to out anyway.( AR ). Also the m3 dosnt invert phase which means you need to hook up your speakers backwards to be correct. they did this to cut down on circut parts. All the preamps are great the audible illusion is I think more transparent but the bass is lacking defintion at the lowest octave. All 3 are great. Was driving krell ksa250/300S amps on Bw801#3
My choice M3.
My choice M3.