Russian Tube Preamp, No Return, Here I go again

diffin

I expect it to love Jazz, it certainly will when I finish breaking it.

lewm

this one would have been a good domestic option if it was listed when I was looking

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Audible-Illusions-Modulus-Stereo-Tube-Preamplifier-classic-linestage-in-box...

In my best russian accent "Don't Vorry, we make guud for you!

In my opinion, that AI Modulus is a bit overpriced, as it does not include a built-in phono stage.  As such, it would not even fulfill your needs. The one worth having would be the 3A version with a phono stage designed by John Curl (if memory serves).  That one on eBay is worth a few hundred bucks, tops.  Again, in my opinion.

Yesterday vintage NOS Japanese NEC 6bq5 (EL84) power tubes replaced Russian power tubes in this Luxman integrated amp. We were shocked by the difference! Luxman stock tubes are branded Luxman, but in fact it’s modern Russian tubes.

Japanese tubes from NEC (made in the 70’s for hi-fi audio) are much quieter, the resolution is much higher, I never tried them before (tubes were sealed in the boxes), it was a blind deal for me long time ago, I don’t even have an amp with EL84 anymore, but a friend purchased Luxman from me few years ago.

After an evening of listening we are all (4 of us) came to conclusion that an old Japanese NEC is killing New Russian tube. So the NEC green series is amazing power tube. 

My advice is to look for a NOS tubes instead of Russian or Chinese tubes.