I've been using an AES AE3 for about 9 months now and am very happy with it. Be sure and get some decent NOS tubes. I've ended up eith a few pair of Sylvanias. The stock tubes were just too microphonic. The stock tubes were ok at very low listening levels, but turn it up just a little and ouch. My setup is MF X-ray CD, AE3 pre, Llano 100 S amp, Hales Rev 3's, ICs are Analisis Plus Silver ovals, and speaker cables are Cardas Cross. Buy or borrow some better tubes and get a loaner to try, my bet is that you will keep it. Happy Listening.
