@georgehifi, (or anyone else that’s interested)...one of the buys of the century are refurbed units from AI:
What is a Factory Reconditioned Modulus? Audible Illusions allows M3A owners to trade in their current preamp for the latest model M3B. Of the units sent for trade, the very best are selected for the refurbishment program. These units are carefully inspected, checked, measured and adjusted. Any suspect parts are replaced and matched to factory specifications. The units are cleaned and preened to look virtually new.
After they have met the high standards of Audible Illusions, a fresh set of tubes is installed and they are packaged in a new box with new manual and accessories.
What makes a Factory Reconditioned unit such a great value? Unlike other used units on the market, you have the benefit of knowing that your unit has been fully evaluated and certified by Audible Illusions. The designer himself, Art Ferris, personally checks EVERY factory reconditioned unit. You’ll be comfortable knowing that your preamp is operating at peak performance and is backed by a factory warranty. With a Factory Refurbished unit, you know what you are buying, and it’s a unit that performs as it did when it first left the factory.
Contact Galen at Galen Carol Audio. The units only run about $1500 USD. He gets them from time to time and they usually sell very quickly. He sometimes has other models too.
https://www.gcaudio.com/ I’ve seen and heard several of these units and they indeed look and perform like brand new ones. An incredible buy on a great preamp...