Audible Illusions Modulus PreAmp>Best Amplifier Match Ever!

When I had my 3B, it was mated to an Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp and I got many a goosebump.  You must use the 6h23neb tubes in the preamp to get this.

Stereo5,

From Dick Olsher's 2016 review of the AI L3A:

Then, in the mid-1980s, Art discovered the Russian 6H23n-EB, really a premium version of the 6922. Not only is it a good-sounding triode, but it also happens to be rugged, exceptionally linear, low in microphonics, and, according to Art, very stable in his zero-feedback tube designs. Subsequently, all of AI’s Series 3 preamps since 1989 have this Russian tube installed in the linestage. Note that AI no longer recommends Russian-branded (e.g., Sovtek) 6922s due to poor quality control. AI will continue to use NOS Russian-military 6H23n-EB tubes until AI’s Russian distributor can no longer supply them, at which time Art says he will probably switch to the Russian 6H30 tube.

My point being the AI's stock tubes appear to be the ones you mention as having to use.

My updated L3b from L3a on 6h23n-eb is paired with Sander Magtech Stereo driving the Revel Salon Ultimate 2 🥳

Why not engage in a little necrothreading? I can confirm that AI made (and still makes) only SS amps, due to tube amps’ tendency to want to blow themselves up. I’ve had an M3A which ate all tubes other than the 6h23-eb, and now listen through an L2B which is MUCH easier on tubes. I also have a 1990(!) S-120 amp (a true Unicorn) which sounds quite lovely, both musical and energetic but, only due to its age, I am considering replacing it with a Pass X150.8, which is how I stumbled on to this old thread. I won’t part with the S-120, but I do want to put something else in place before it dies (it can’t live forever, can it?), and keep the S-120 as a backup/alternative. Anyway, seems like an AI pre with a Pass amp might not be too shabby as a pairing. Cool!