You have an excellent phono stage in the Modulus 3A, no need to buy another one. You should be using 6h23neb tubes in that preamp, anything else is a compromise. I owned a Modulus 3A for years and always found the phono stage very musical. It is one of the reasons many keep their 3A today. I used a mm cartridge and low output Mc with my 3A. With the low output mc, I used a Bob Devices SUT into the phono input. I had a very nice and rich sound, never thin or edgy. The problem is not the phono preamp in the 3A.
SME 3009 II Unimporved -- "Thin" Sound
I would much appreciate any guidance/comments: I am getting back into analogue after 20 years away, and had a opportunity to have a Thorens 124 and SME 3009 II Unimproved completely restored -- then set up by a knowledgeable technician. My tech also recommended a Hana EH, which now has about 30 hours' time logged. Have tried BOTH the MM input on my Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, and the Schitt Mani into the AUX input of the Audible Illusions. Also purchased several current audiophile LP's of various genres -- for "trial" purposes.
To my ear, the result is "OK," but a bit lifeless.
Without drilling down too deeply into the physics and arm adjustments -- which I am 95% certain are correct -- can anyone enlighten me as to how I can improve. I suspect the hardware and mechanics -- given their age -- are capable of much better performance, but ... (after being accustomed to good quality digital reproduction) I am beginning to wonder if my expectations are too high!
THANKS, all!