I've owned late model M3, early M3a and late model M3a. The M3a's are definitely cut from the same sonic cloth - which I feel is extremely good, detailed and natural - but in a direct comparison, the M3a has better bass control, more liquid, more extended high's and overall a bit more neutral. M3 is a little more classic tubey. I like all of these but prefer the M3a over the M3, even given the price difference. Be careful though of the volume control: units with the stepped volume may or may not work well in your system, in that the steps are sonicly very large. I found that with the stepped unit I was not able to fine tune the volume adequately.
Audible Illusions M3 vs M3A -- Worth the extra ?
Hey folks,
I am considering trying one of one these units because I need a preamp with a phono stage. On the used market, there is roughly five hundred bucks' difference between them. Is it worth the extra dough to go with the M3A, or will the M3 suffice? Will both of these units work with a medium to high output cartridge?
I know that the Rogue 66 is also in this price range. If anyone feels that is the better way to go, I might be persuaded, even though I'm leaning toward the Audible Illusions.
Thanks for your help.