Have had an Audible Illusions 3A forever--not bleached/thin at all. Hard to characterize the sound as it does so much right. Perhaps its greatest strengths are its truth of timber and rich tonal colors. Weaknesses are its high line stage gain and requirement for tubes that can handle being run hot. Fortunately, those tubes find great. Mine is the MM version. Have only heard the CJ PV 12 in passing--I think with Premier 11 and 12s--loved the sound.
Conrad Johnson PV12 vs. Audible Illusions Modulus 3a
For those who've heard either preamp, and especially for anyone who's compared these two preamps head to head, what are your thoughts on them? My specific concerns based on forum searches are that the CJ sounds slow and the Modulus 3a sounds bleached / thin. What are your experiences, esp. if you compared them?