I'll second the comments already made on the AI M3. I owned one for several years and it's an outstanding preamp and at the cost of a used unit, a ridiculous value. Your going to have to spend thousands more to get appreciably better.
You may be wondering,if it's such a good preamp, why are there always units for sale? This is because AI has sold thousands of them and with that many in circulation there's always going to be a few for sale.
One caveat, if your going to buy the M3 and not the M3a, make sure it's an M3 that can be upgraded to the 3a if that's something you might be interested in doing in the future. Also, a none upgradable M3 should go for a little less. If the owner unsure, a call or email to AI with the unit's serial number will let you know.
You may be wondering,if it's such a good preamp, why are there always units for sale? This is because AI has sold thousands of them and with that many in circulation there's always going to be a few for sale.
One caveat, if your going to buy the M3 and not the M3a, make sure it's an M3 that can be upgraded to the 3a if that's something you might be interested in doing in the future. Also, a none upgradable M3 should go for a little less. If the owner unsure, a call or email to AI with the unit's serial number will let you know.