@bdp24 I also remember The RM-5 and the Audible Illusions Modulus 2 were considered THE bargain tube pre-amps to choose between. I found the AI Mod's 30dB of line stage gain unfortunate and ill-advised, as well as it's dual-mono volume controls. The Modulus is still in production (in updated form, of course), so Roger, any thoughts of offering a contemporary RM-5 type pre?
Thanks for the memories... who sung that? The Modulus and RM-5 present a great example of dueling designers. Art did not put feedback around the line tube as I did. I also made it variable with dip switches for many gain settings from 0 to 30 dB which is the full gain of the tube. He later put a cathode bypass disconnect to lower the gain but that is a Very bad idea as it raises the output impedance to about 10K. The feedback in my line stage lowered the output impedance to about 1K. Im surprised people didnt hear the difference more easily. Again, that would have showed up in an A/B which is just not done is it?
Where I did volume and balance Arthur liked his dual controls. Other than that the preamps were pretty except for the power supply. His blew up, mind didnt.
Problem was, Arthur was not an engineer and the preamp was the work of many people. I think he bought the company from Bruce Moore. Hope Im not bragging on mine too much, just the facts Madam.
He claims in the TAS book to have sold 25,000 units. His tech, Meserve. was my tech in the 1980s and said theres no way. We sold 960 over the 15 years we made it. All sonically and ciruits wise the same.. Only thing that changed was the jacks as better ones came alone. If you can find a MKIV that was the nicest as we put on a phono tube off switch, heavier metal, nicer jacks. We only made 50 so good luck. The MKIII is more available and just as good except for those two things.