Feeling the vibes
Audio Note M3 Phono Tube Preamplifier Uh oh. I’ve fallen in love with two different tube preamplifiers today. Just that kind of Friday I guess! Of course, these preamps could make anyone swoon. First it was the Aesthetix Calypso, and now it’s Audio Note’s delicious M3 Phono, which despite its name is not just a phono pre (although it is one stinkin’ beast of a phono pre) — it’s a full on line preamplifier, and it’s captured my heart, swiftly and easily. This one is tube-based front to back, and uses interesting valves to craft its magical sound, like 6X5s, OB2s and 6072a tubes. Bobby Hutcherson’s album Wise One is a record I’m wise to place on the queue when I fire up such a refined piece of equipment as this. Why? Because well-recorded vibraphone is a really good measuring stick for components’ abilities to accurately portray a soundstage, and to hold those image positions firmly as the vibes move up and down the musical register. Any of Gary Burton’s w...