2. amps-preamps
  3. 175121-9916

audible illusions vs supratek, vs holoaudio vs backert

starting to re-build a system and thought I'd start with some well known budget pre-amps that are supposed to punch above their weight.  i will be playing rock cd's only through atma-sphere m60's.  speakers and cd player are still TBD.  any thoughts/comparisons on these brands.  Obviously the supratek and holo are cheaper, but still wouldn't mind some overall feedback as I have never listened to any of them.

gwng8
jackd
1,037 posts
 

@gwng8 

Congrats good choice.

Post removed 
bulldogger
262 posts
 

Whatever you do stay away from Audible Illusions. Great sound but, you may want to sue them if it breaks. Service is that bad. Worst I've ever seen.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,266 posts
 

I agree with Ozzy62.  I owned 3 AI preamps, the original 3, 3A  and 3B.  They did NOT sound like solid state, more like a very well balanced tube unit.  Great product but service is less than stellar. 

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
609 posts
 

People heard enough about horrible service from AI, but still many show interests of owning it. Why?

I also heard about the service, but jumped on a 10 years old AI M3B at $2000, and that was one of my best audio purchases I had for a long time. At least as of now.

It still sounds really nice. I ordered a new set of tubes, but haven’t changed tubes yet since the old tubes that came with still sound good.

I might have a different opinion when it breaks and I can’t get it serviced soon, but until then, I will be just happy with it.

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