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Is the AE-3 DJH edition really a world-class linestage?

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Currently looking to replace my Audible Illusions Modulus 3A with a high quality linestage (since I've added an outboard phono stage). I'm having problems with the stepped attenuators and high gain of the Modulus 3A - too much gain in my system and I often find it difficult to get the exact right listening volume since I'm usually around 9:00 on the attenuators. Currently considering Cary SLP98 or SLP308, Blue Circle 21.1 and BC3 Despina as well as Audio Research SP16L or older used ARC linestage. I'm intrigued by the relatively less expensive "signature" version of the AE-3 preamp (Dennis Had's "budget Cary" line). Would I be disappointed with its performance compared to the linestage portion of my Audible Illusions? Can it truly compete with these other preamps I'm considering? I listen to mostly jazz and classical as well as some rock, mostly on vinyl (see inmate system for details). I wouldn't mind a bit more warmth in a preamp than my current Modulus 3A (without sacrificing TOO much transparency) and it appears that this is the reputation of the Cary/AE line. Is there any sonic disadvantage to adding the remote control to the AE3 DJH?
Thanks a lot!

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I think so... - Nicholas Renter 13:57:35 08/22/04 (3)
...and from this post, Kevin Deal does as well:
Posted by Kevin Deal ( D ) on May 31, 2004 at 23:27:40
In Reply to: Re: No tube rolling yet posted by AbeCollins on May 31, 2004 at 08:28:04:

We've done the bench test here, and the DJH was:
#1 for signal to noise
#1 for banwidth and being flat
#1 for bandwith, being flat into impedences below 10K. More real world for some folks.
We sampled many "hot" preamps, up to $8k, and they do not compare.
- Yikes! Words never go away - Kevin Deal 21:41:42 08/23/04 (2)
  but is is the truth.
  As to the tonal balance. Being direct coupled, it has incredible slam. This is balanced by the fact it is tube rectified, uses 6SN7 (nice tube), and has premium caps. So it has punch and bandwidth with the "glory" people associate with tubes.
  It will seem like you added a subwoofer compared to the Mod 3A. I mean...that may be a bit of a stretch...but not too far.
  It has no negative feedback and is friendly to "tube rolling" though it smokes in it's stock form.
  So what is the downside?
  No digital readout, menus, tape loop, home-theater bypass, double laydown hacky-sack simulation, and all that stuff.
  Audio top-fuel dragster.
  - Re: Yikes! Words never go away - dvl 11:38:57 08/24/04 (0)
    Kevin's right. i replaced an ARC LS 15 with the AE-3 DJH and it did sound like i added a subwoofer. Well, maybe not a subwoofer, but the bass that little gem puts out will really surprise you. The LS 15 was a $3000 preamp, the DJH is $1200, and i kept the DJH and didn't miss the ARC for a second. It doesn't have the ARC "bloom" but it does have tremendous body and weight. Wonderful transparency as well.
    It is that good.
    dvl
  - Kevin...What tubes do you like in the AE-3 DJH? (nt) - Nicholas Renter 05:28:26 08/24/04 (0)
    nt

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