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Just got Audible Illusions L1, but it sound harsh

I just got a Audible Illusions L1 preamp to replace my Rotel RC 1070. I can hear it is much more detail, it sounds more forward and bigger sound stage. But I also found it too harsh. Especially in vocal, the "s" sound is very loud and quite alloying. I don't have it in my RC 1070, but at the same time, it doesn't sound as musical. It is just like sing behind a curtain. I don't hear that detail, but also, those annoying "s" sound is "filter" out. Is it a characteristic of this preamp? Is there any thing I can do? I am using a Rotel RB 1080 amp. Should I try another preamp? Or try another amp?
gte357s
phd
1,008 posts
 
Gte357s, you are on the right track with the McCormacks. In fact I have used the AI L1 with an upgraded McCormack with great success. I have spoken very highly about the L1 in the forums. My reference to a mediocre preamp in comparison to a high quality amp has nothing to do with the L1 but was trying to point out that one quality component can improve the sound of the other. There is no perfect preamp but the L1 gets alot right. However the ultimate tube preamp would be one that has tube rectification (no solid state devices) and ultimately will dispense with even the slightest detectable grain, but may lack the dynamics of the L1. There are some sacrifices with any design.
jebe1
75 posts
 
I'm using the Audible Illusions L1 with a McCormack DNA-0.5 driving Vandersteen 2ce-sigs and am very happy with the combination.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
The McCormack and the Belles are excellent. I'm not fond of the Aragon as I find it to be bright sounding. I don't believe the solidstate rectification is the problem.

Wendell
photon46
1,008 posts
 
it's hard for others who can't hear your system to pin down what's causing your problems, but Stereo5's concerns about metal dome tweeters would sure top my list of things to consider.
minorl
740 posts
 
quite honestly, I don't know if this is a brand new (never used) pre-amp or one that needs new tubes. If brand new, then hook it up, turn it on with a source whenever you get home and leave the room while letting it play. this needs to be burned (broken in). devices will sound extremely harsh until properly broken it. this could take days literally. So, before you spend large sums replacing tubes and other things, just turn on some music, let it play for the recommended burn in period and then come out and play. If it is brand new, I bet it will sound much better in about a week after burning in. If it is used or an older demo unit, then maybe the tubes need replacing. But, it could be your source, cable/equipment interaction, etc. A little bit late but, it is always a good idea to borrow a unit or give the dealer a credit card number and take the unit home for a week to listen before purchasing. I don't deal with dealers that won't let me take the unit home for a week or so first. I give them my credit card information, but with the agreement that if I don't like it, I can bring it back.

enjoy
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