I purchased an Anthem Pre One by Sonic Frontiers to replace a Nakamichi. The phono section was very noisy despite the Johnson Bros. suggestions of numerous tube replacements. Their local dealer had to eat the cost and for an increase in price I selected the well reviewed AI M3A. After stone walling their retailer, within weeks the Johnson's took their Pre One Phono off the market releasing the non phono version only.
The AI had very limited attenuation. Four or five clicks of the stepped attenuators before it was too loud or too soft regardless of switch settings or main board revision. In a very short time the dual mono attenuation became a pain. My family hated it. The attenuators wore out in a few short years and despite an absolutely definite two week estimate for the repair it took over four months.
In my experience these are two of the shadiest manufactures I've had to deal with.
I'd suggest looking for an older used VAC pre.
The AI had very limited attenuation. Four or five clicks of the stepped attenuators before it was too loud or too soft regardless of switch settings or main board revision. In a very short time the dual mono attenuation became a pain. My family hated it. The attenuators wore out in a few short years and despite an absolutely definite two week estimate for the repair it took over four months.
In my experience these are two of the shadiest manufactures I've had to deal with.
I'd suggest looking for an older used VAC pre.