Audible Illusions vs CJ preamps: sonic difference?

Audible Illusions M3A is an extremely musical preamp. Bass, mids and highs are all excellent as well as excellent soundstage. The AI M3B is even better, more resolving and quieter. I have both. The M3A has been in my system since 1996 and I just got the M3B a couple of months ago. The build quality on an AI pre is second to none as well. Both have an excellent phono stage and both have 5 high level inputs, a tape loop and a phono input with very high quality jacks. There are also 2 sets of preamp outputs. The power supply is in a separate cabinet and very beefy.

I prefer the AI sound to the Conrad Johnson.

Bob

The current production model is the 3B. There have been 3 versions of the 3. The original 3 (1992-1996), the 3A(1996-2008) and the 3B (2008-present).

Older versions can't be upgraded but AI gives a VERY generous trade in allowance towards a new 3B.

They will burn through tubes which are NOT recommended for them. For 240.00, you can buy 4 matched, very low noise tubes from Audible Illusions. I have also had good luck at The Tube Store. I bought 6h23neb tubes, graded and matched for less than 100.00. It's when you try to use the nos mullards, ampex, ect tubes where you can run into trouble.