The Audible Illusions Modulus 3B Preamplifier: A Detailed Review

Audible Illusions Modulus 3B Preamplifier is a famous audio device, which is loved and praised by audiophiles for its performance and sound quality. As an improved version of the popular Modulus 3A, 3B offers advanced models that increase sound quality and also enhance the listening experience of the users. In this article, we will discuss the features,  design, and all details of Audible Illusions Modulus 3B Preamplifier. So let’s get started:

Design and Build Quality Audible illusions Modulus 3B Preamplifier

audible illusions modulus 3b preamplifier side view.

Modulus 3B Preamplifier is a famous, stylish, and impressive design. Its solid chassis is made with high-quality material, in which the main focus is on built quality. The front panel usually has brushed aluminum. Clean control and indicator are arranged in it.

Front Panel Controls

  • Volume knob
  • Source selector switch
  • Power switch
  • Balance control

Rear Panel Connections

  • Multiple line-level inputs
  • Phono input (optional)
  • Tape loop
  • Main output
  • Subwoofer output (optional)

Performance

The audible Illusion Modulus 3B preamplifier is known for its sound quality and excellent performance. Mostly it is called a natural, clear, and balanced preamplifier. Some of the main features of performance are described here:

Soundstage and Imaging

Audible illusions modulus 3b preamplifier side view.

Modulus 3B has an expert ability to produce a deep and wide soundstage. Audible Illusion Modulus 3B preamplifier delivers a warm, balanced, and dynamic sound quality. There was a remarkable separation between the channels of the Modulus 3B preamplifier which offers a great listening experience for a whole life.

Tonality and Timbre

Preamplifier uses vacuum tubes that produce a warm, balanced sound which is perfect for vocal or acoustic music. The components look natural, with an accurate and balanced tone.

Dynamics and Detail

Modulus 3B preamplifier easily handles dynamic swings, which ensures that Modulus 3B preamplifier produces a dynamic and detailed balanced sound. Users can listen to clear and warm music on the Modulus 3B preamplifier according to their own interests.

Noise and Distortion

With its strong power supply and valuable components, the Modulus 3B preamplifier controls noise level and maintains it to low noise and also with low distortion. Modulus 3B preamplifier ensures clean and undistorted signals, at high volumn.

Features

  • Circuit Design is Dual-Mono, Class A, Single-Ended Triode, Open Loop.
  • External Power Supply, housing three separate supplies, prevents unwanted AC-induced distortions.
  • The Main Chassis has five separate, fully-regulated FET power supplies in addition to separate filament supplies.
  • The Audio Circuit has No Cathode Followers or Buffers.
  • Standby Soft-Start Circuit prolongs tube life and circuit components.
  • Automatic-Timed Muting.
  • Control Knobs have Low-Light Backlit Illumination.
  • Separate Volume Controls are Precision Stepped Attenuators.
  • Proprietary gold-plated RCA Jacks with Teflon Insulators.
  • All circuit boards are Hand-Soldered with silver-bearing solder.
  • All polypropylene, Teflon, and polystyrene capacitors are manufactured using proprietary designs.
  • Completely handcrafted in the USA.

Specifications 

General:

  • Overall Gain: 58dB at 1kHz
  • Tubes Used: 4 matched 6922 or 6H23EB twin-triode tubes
  • Weight: 20.5 lbs (unit), 24 lbs (with shipping)
  • Dimensions:
    • Main unit: 19″W x 3.5″H (standard rack size)
    • Chassis: 17″W x 11″D x 3″H
    • Power Supply: 6″W x 10″D x 5″H
  • Muting: 45-second warm-up with automatic brown-out protection
  • Power Requirements:
    • 115-125VAC, 60Hz, 45 watts max
    • Comes with a 6-foot IEC line cord
    • Optional transformers available for 100, 220, 230, or 240V at 50-60Hz

Phono Section:

  • Gain: 28dB at 1kHz
  • Frequency Response: Accurate within +/- 0.25dB of RIAA standards from 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Signal Phase: Non-Inverting
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB below a 5mV input
  • Distortion: Less than 0.015% at 20kHz
  • Input Impedance: 47 kOhms
  • Phono Overload:
    • 1.2V rms at 1kHz with a 100k load
    • 750mV rms at 1kHz with an IHF load

High-Level Section:

  • Gain: 30dB (0dB for Tape and S/S Processor)
  • Frequency Response: Within +/-1dB from 2Hz to 100kHz
  • Signal Noise Ratio: 90dB below 1.5V rms output
  • Input Impedance: 50kOhms for all inputs
  • Output Impedance:
    • Main Output: 1.2 kOhms
    • Tape Output: 150 Ohms
  • Distortion:
    • 0.10% at 1.5V rms from 20-50kHz into a 50kOhm load
    • Less than 0.12% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at 1V output into IHF load
  • Signal Phase:
    • Main Outputs: Inverting
    • Tape Outputs: Non-Inverting
  • Maximum Input: 9V rms

Conclusion

The Audible Illusions Modulus 3B preamp is a top performer in high-fidelity audio. Its dual mono design, vacuum tube setup, separate components, and premium volume control produce outstanding sound quality. Whether you’re a serious audiophile or just enjoy good music, the Modulus 3B can enhance your listening experience and is a valuable addition to any audio system.

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