audible illusions vs supratek, vs holoaudio vs backert

I have had a AI linestage (Modulus) since the last millenium.
I got some new tubes for it, but mostly just to try them… it sounds just dandy as it is, but the tubes are almost 1/4 century old.

It is an inverting preamp, so at some point one needs to flip the wires, like as is shown on the avatar with the red and black switched up.

I have seen AI listed as used equipment occasionally.

Jump on Supratek ASAP!!

Need to know what sound characteristics you’re looking for. 

Maybe throw Don Sachs,and Aric Audio into the hunt as well. 

I also own the M-60s, and ran through the following preamps:

1. Modwright LS-100
2. Decware CSP-3
3. Don Sachs Model 2
4. LTA MZ2-S

All of those were great and my favorite by a small margin was the LTA, until I found an Atma-Sphere MP-3 for under $3K, and it was game over. They're a stunning combo, as you would expect.

I'm guessing all the preamps you mentioned will sound really good too, but always keep your eye out for an MP-3. I waited years to find the right deal on one, but it was totally worth it.

@armstrod The MP-3 and MZ2 are two pres high on my list (the MZ2 would also become my headphone amp) and would really love to hear your thoughts on their sonic differences.  Thanks!

thanks folks....some more things to investigate.  

also going to have to throw cary audio in the mix

Audible illusion makes great preamps but the service is worse then you can imagine. 15 months here on my unit...

hiend2

244 posts

02-25-2022 at 05:20pm 

Audible illusion makes great preamps but the service is worse then you can imagine. 15 months here on my unit...

 

ouch! 
 

My brother owns the Audible Illusions. +1 regarding customer service. He sent his in for a service and they talked him into buying a replacement. Then they sold the one he'd sent in to somebody else and he had to wait a looooooong time before they sent him a new build replacement.

I own a supratek Cortese. In my opinion the Audible Illusions is not in the same league as the Supratek. It sounds like a solid state preamp. That's just my opinion. For those who enjoy the AI, please don't allow my comments to diminish your enjoyment of your preamp. They are universally very highly regarded and have been a recommended buy for decades. So they must be doing something right. It just seems to me that my Supratek digs more tone out the music. Instruments sound richer and fatter. More meat on the bone, so to speak. YMMV.

My brother owns the Audible Illusions. +1 regarding customer service. He sent his in for a service and they talked him into buying a replacement. Then they sold the one he’d sent in to somebody else and he had to wait a looooooong time before they sent him a new build replacement.

I own a supratek Cortese. In my opinion the Audible Illusions is not in the same league as the Supratek. It sounds like a solid state preamp. That’s just my opinion. For those who enjoy the AI, please don’t allow my comments to diminish your enjoyment of your preamp. They are universally very highly regarded and have been a recommended buy for decades. So they must be doing something right. It just seems to me that my Supratek digs more tone out the music. Instruments sound richer and fatter. More meat on the bone, so to speak. YMMV.

The AI sounded different than the SS unit it replaced (Professional Studio Equipment aka PSE Studio-1 out of the twin cites in the 80s). So I would not say it sounds like a SS preamp, unless you mean it was not overly tuby/tubby. So it has not been an obvious “that is a tube” piece of equipment.

Does a SS class-A device also sound like SS? It probably sounds different than a Class-B SS amp.

In a good pice of gear, whether it is tube or SS, it should basically be transparent. As they colour things more, I would not consider that as being good, in the same way that say cables that colour the sound do not seem like a beneficial thing to intentionally have.

That said, I am thinking of replacing it as it is 120v and they want a lot of coins to make it 240v. I have been running it behind a 230–>120v transformer, which maybe acts somewhat like a power conditioner as well as converting power??

The problem is, is that it is really pretty damned good… and to get better than it is doing takes a lot more coins to achieve.

thankl.  customer service is important.  supratek awesome, cary awesome, audiible illusions = tekton

 I have an extra supratek Syrah with phono I may part with in WI has a wonderful sound and synergy with my systems but I'm moving and downsizing.

I'm not going to debate anyone on what sounds better or worse than an AI preamp. But I have owned two Modulus 3a preamps throughout the years and for whatever shortcomings they had, they never sounded like a SS preamp to my ears. They were always rich in tone using Mullard CCAs. Where they could be beat was in transparency.

@ebm Noted the Supratek comment - agree! I have the opportunity for a 1 owner sparingly used 18 year old Syrah at a good price. It would have to be packed and shipped (professionally). I'm unfamiliar with their longevity/reliability - are you? I want to pull the trigger, but some insight there would be helpful. Also if there are service agents in the US.....

@ebm  Noted the Supratek comment - agree! I have the opportunity for a 1 owner sparingly used 18 year old Syrah at a good price. It would have to be packed and shipped (professionally). I'm unfamiliar with their longevity/reliability - are you? I want to pull the trigger, but some insight there would be helpful. Also if there are service agents in the US.....

@budburma -- member jslateiv is a stateside tech for Supratek, in North Carolina.

I sent my 20 yo Chenin in for a lookover and replace parts that might be due, cost around $500, highest recomend for Johnny's work,

awesome! thank you.

Sorry can't help on this one.

I have owned the Audible Illusions pre and the Backert. The Backert is by far superior sounding.

I own the Backert and love it. No experience on the others you have listed.

thanks eveyyone, I'm going to go with supratek

@ebm Jump on supratek? What happened to  VAC?

@gwng8 

Congrats good choice.

Whatever you do stay away from Audible Illusions. Great sound but, you may want to sue them if it breaks. Service is that bad. Worst I've ever seen.

I agree with Ozzy62.  I owned 3 AI preamps, the original 3, 3A  and 3B.  They did NOT sound like solid state, more like a very well balanced tube unit.  Great product but service is less than stellar. 

People heard enough about horrible service from AI, but still many show interests of owning it. Why?

I also heard about the service, but jumped on a 10 years old AI M3B at $2000, and that was one of my best audio purchases I had for a long time. At least as of now.

It still sounds really nice. I ordered a new set of tubes, but haven’t changed tubes yet since the old tubes that came with still sound good.

I might have a different opinion when it breaks and I can’t get it serviced soon, but until then, I will be just happy with it.

Audible illusions great units, No factory service anymore their Tech retired.

Pretty sure Art can recommend a service center.

Ive been waiting to complete delivery on a refurbished on a L-1 for 16+ months

I made a mistake by sending this place any money, don't make that mistake.