2. amps-preamps
  3. 1072811936

The new Audible Illusions L-2, an improvement?

You bet! I received my L-2 on Christmas day (no, it wasn't given to me that day, it arrived by Fedex!)
Right out of the box, this preamp had a special quality to it. It sounds so right.
I have used many preamps over the years. I was using a Audible Illusions L-1 and I have owned 2 M3A's over the years. I must state without reservation that this is the most neutral and well balanced preamp to come from this company.
After a 100hr run-in, I have found this unit to sound dynamic, transparent and imaging is amazing. It is definitely a giant step over the L-1 and M3A in my opinion. Sound comes from a silent background, dynamics are natural without jumping at you, imaging is pin point and the frequency extremes are more extended. There is an overall ease to the way this unit presents sound. Nothing is forced and it does loud better than AI's previous units. The soundsatge has proper height, depth and extends well beyond the boundaries when the recording allows.
If I was going to design a preamp that would satisfy my particular desires, this would have been it.
On a technical note, this unit features dual outputs, home theater pass through and a myriad of inputs on a well laid out back panel. The dual attenuators are stepped and the volume control is now powered with a remote. It is the best setup I have encountered to date. The remote allows for precice adjustment. It rotates slowly with NO over or undershoot. Couldn't ask for more. My compliments to Art Ferris on this design.
All controls are backlit with a faded blue light(more of a glow actually) and it has a red LED that is activated when the unit is in standby or warming up. Once the unit is up and running, the red light goes out and is replaced with a blue LED.
The unit looks AI all the way (it looks similiar to the older L-1.) But, it is as up to date and any preamp out there.
I must thank Art Ferris publicly for getting this preamp to me. He said I would have it before Christmas and I did (even after Fedex held it up for a day) I have talked to him on numerous occasions and he is a very approachable gentleman. I can't ask for more. He kept me informed of the preamps progress during manufacture and the numerous upgrades he has installed in this very fine preamp. I really think Audible Illusions has another winner on their hands.
My system:
Vandersteen 3A Signatures
Pair of 2Wq's (crossed over using the Model 5 filters- the way to go in my opinion)
Belles 350a power amp
Audible Illusions L-2
Sony Xa777es Cd/Sacd player
Harmonic Technology Prosilway II's
Biwire Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables(true bi-wire-4 cables)
Richard Grey power conditioners
bigtee

Showing 2 responses by bigtee

bigtee OP
803 posts
 
I would like to add one caveat to my mini review above. When I say the the L-2 is better than the M3A, I am refering to models built before 2002. I am sure Art Ferris has incorporated upgrades into the M3A since my last audition. In no way do I wish to discourage a purchase of the M3A and its excellent phono board. It is and always has been a fine preamp.
One other item of interest is Audible Illusions will have a phono board for the L-2 (which I understand will be field installed). This will certainly add a great option to those contemplating a great preamp.
My comments on the L-1 stand since production was discontinued with the introduction of the L-2.
For those of you that continue to wait on the L-2, I guarantee it will be worth the wait. Talk to Art or Jerry and I'm sure they will get it resolved for you. They are good guys.
I will post a longer review after I have had a chance to live with this preamp through its total breakin. I can say at this point, my opinion has not changed. I look forward to being with my new toy everyday.
bigtee OP
803 posts
 
I don't understand the problems you are having. Both Jerry and Art have been most responsive to any inquiry I have ever had. I know they have production delays from time to time but I feel they are not willing to compromise the product by rushing it out. I ordered mine in May of last year and knew there would be a wait. AI made some improvements to the L-2 which slowed production. I talked to Art several times and he was always very, very responsive to me. He explained the production delays and I knew he would get it out as soon as he could. He called Friday before Christmas and told me I'd have it at Christmas and I did. He 2-day shipped with Fedex. I was impressed.
AI is a small company and these are hand built units. It takes time. Talk to Art personally if you haven't. I'm sure he will clear up the problem as soon as he can. You know AI builds other products also. They only build L-2's at certain times. AI quickly sells all of their limited production and others have been on long waiting lists. I know it can be frustrating at times but trust me, the unit is worth the wait. If it is an oversight on AI's part, I'm sure Jerry or Art will get it worked out.
More to discover