2. amps-preamps
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Need Help w/Audible Illusions Modulus 3a

An opportunity has come my way to purchase an AI M3a for cheap (friend). I am currently building my system, which consists of:

Spendor S5e Speakers
Spendor Sub 3
Arcam CD73t Digital
Rega Planar 3 TT
Audiolab 8000a Integrated Amp(trying to replace w/seperates)

As you can see it is a bit of a budget system, however the Audiolab is the weak point. I am trying to accomplish two things: First, I want to eventually incorporate an HT system into a 2-channel without sound quality loss...ie I need a pre amp that will allow pass through. This brings me to my first question...is there a way to accomplish this "pass through" with the Audible Illusion pre? Secondly, if the first question can be answered, YES, then I'd appreciate a used amp recommendation that would match my system well (roughly $1k range). I've thought of using McCormack or Muse...any thoughts?

Thanks for your help.
chadlesko

Showing 2 responses by bigtee

bigtee
803 posts
 
No pass through in the M3A. The tape loop is buffered.
bigtee
803 posts
 
The buffer in the tape loop essentially isolates the tape player circuitry from the preamp so there is no interaction. It would probably work but it is not a pass through. You would go through the active buffer circuit.
Audible Illusions addressed this in their newer L-2 unit. It aslo has remote and you can add a phono stage. You don't see this particular unit used much at all. It has a lot of refinements in it over the M3a and older L-1. However, it is around $2500 new plus the phono stage. It would be a wonderful choice if you could find a used one.
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