This is my opinion for the audible illusion mobulus 3 One of the best preamplifiers on the market I bud mine today at first I have problems It sounded just okey but I reversed the polarity of my speakers cables the difference wass day to night I feel very lucky to own this unit if you find one don’t even blink buy it do yourself a favourite you will stick with it forever.

Noting It’s spectacular

Let me begin at the end, with the bottom line: the Audible Illusions Modulus 3B is the biggest bang/buck preamp on the planet. Yes, it's not inexpensive. But it performs at a world-class level, rivaling the sound quality of pre's in the 5-figure range.

I am a lifelong audiophile, and have had the good fortune over the last three decades of owning and/or directly experiencing preamps from many of the major players in the audio industry, including: Pass, Rowland, Conrad-Johnson, Audio Research, Aesthetix, Sonic Frontiers (back when they existed!), BAT, VAC, and Classe (to name a few). Between my own ownership, that of my best audio-friend in town, and attendance at RMAF, I've been able to sample many, many components. As a consequence, I don't make my "bank/buck" claim lightly.

Probably the finest-sounding pre's I've ever heard are the top of the line offerings by BAT and VAC, which I spent some time with at last year's RMAF. But - and here's the but - the Audible Illusions gives up little to them. In terms of every sonic parameter - tone, texture, dimensionality, breadth and depth of soundstage, rhythm and pacing, frequency range - it is simply superlative. Most surprisingly, it SERIOUSLY cranks some bass. That is, it sounds equally exquisite playing Tchaikovsky as it does Soundgarden. The Modulus ROCKS. I recently did a shootout between it and a custom-built ARC unit (with Great Northern Sound Company upgrades), and it was no contest. Mind you, I love my GNSC-modded unit, and Steve Huntley (back in the days of GNSC) did fantastic work. But the AI kicked its ass (in fairness, it is an SP14, so it wasn't ever top-of-the-line to begin with).

Side notes: (1) I have the latest iteration, with all of Art Ferris's latest tweaks (circa 2015), and (2) it has the Gold Card phono, as I primarily listen to vinyl.

So yeah, I have heard DIFFERENT preamps - that is, compared to the finest I have heard, you'll hear slightly different renderings. Have I heard something that sounds BETTER, and that I've found more SATISFYING? No.

Now for the "bad" parts (or at least, other parts) of my commentary. First, I would seriously recommend tube-rolling, although Art advises strongly against this (given how hard the circuit pushes the tubes). I ran it with the stock Russian tubes he provides, and then with some Tungsrams I got from Upscale Audio. No comparison. But with no-holds-barred Telefunkens (premium grade, cryo'ed)? OOOoo la la, absolute heaven. And I haven't had ANY problems with durability.

Second, be sure to follow Art's recommendation regarding the switches in the interior, to take the bypass caps out of the circuit.

Third, I echo the previous poster's comments about time-lag. My audio buddy (previously alluded to) was so smitten with my pre that he ordered one for himself, and it took 4 months AFTER payment to get it - with near-weekly excuses from Art himself regarding the delay. But he DID (finally) get it, and it's fantastic - so he's very satisfied. We both suspect that Art - having done this continuously for 40 years, and with just a couple of employees - may be winding down his operation. Regardless, be prepared for a LONG wait, should you order one - and LOTS of additional delays, with stories. But - and here's the REALLY important part - there isn't ANY duplicity that I can discern. That is, you WILL get your preamp - eventually - and it WILL be worth the wait: a truly hand-built, custom-designed, incredible-sounding preamp from arguably THE greatest preamp designer ever.

First, I bought my 3B in 2017. The template only went to 2010. If you like a simple design and absolutely the finest in sound, then the Audible Illusions Modulus 3B is for you. No remote, no tone controls, no balance controls. Nothing but the simplest and best circuit for the best sound out there.

If you are a vinyl nut or love CD's, this is the pre-amp for you. I have had mine for a little over a month. I had a 3A before and thought is was about as good as you could get. Not so. The 3B blows it out of the water.

Now for the bad stuff: If you order one from Audible Illusions, be prepared to wait up to 5 months or maybe even more. What ever they tell you about delivery is going to be a lie. For some reason they just can't seem to produce these of have parts ready to make these in a decent time frame. Now understand, you will get your unit, and when you do, it will be first rate and of absolute first rate built quality. It is designed to last a very, very long time.

So, if you have the money, have the time, and want only the best pre-amp out there, this is it.