Bruce Abrams wrote in message
news:SFIDb.572296$Fm2.535329@attbi_s04...


Perhaps you could further explain the specifics of your system setup
that
led to such a conclusion. I've been using a Modulus 3A (and 3 before
it)
for many years and have found it's low frequency response to be a
consistent
strength. In fact, I believe it to be about the best performing
pre-amp
I've heard.

My system descriptions can be found at:

http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1748.html

Why my system configuration precluded the Modulus from performing to
spec,
I don't know. Perhaps you can shade some light on this mystery. Because
Audible Illusions explanation didn't wash with me. I will attempt to
find their explanation, that I have archived on a CD and forward to you.

Perhaps some of the engineers could shed some light on the subject, but I
suspect it has something to do with a mismatch between the 1.2k ohm output
impedence of the Modulus and the Eagle.

With that said, just because a component doesn't reach the frequency
extremes
doesn't mean it's not a good sounding component. Likewise, just because
a
component can easily reach the frequency extremes doesn't mean that it
is
a
superior sounding unit. On the contrary. I auditioned line stages in my
system that had better performance at the extremes than the Modulus,
but in my system did not sound as good as the Modulus. You have found
the
Modulus 3A to have consistent strength in the bass region. I agree with
you. It goes deep very well as far as it goes. Then it gracefully falls
off.

In my system (Paradigm Studio 100 speakers, Plinius 8200P amp with an
input
impedence of 47k ohms, Modulus 3A and Sony NS-DVP900V) there isn't the
35Hz
roll off that you describe. I also listen to a fair amount of organ music
including the same recording of the Poulenc Concerto and everything is
where
it's supposed to be. My usual listening is a eclectic as anyone I know,
being comprised of most forms of acoustic music; jazz (male & female vocal
and both small groups and big bands), orchestral, chamber, solo piano,
choral (I am a choral singer and listen to quite a bit of it) and a large
amount of early music.


The Paradigm Studio 100 is a wonderful loudspeaker, no doubt. However, it
was
not designed to delve into the lower regions (22hz) of the Poulenc Concerto.
It simply does not have the physical dimensions or woofer size. Paradigm
does not even pretend that the Studio 100 is capable of such subterranean
performance. And why should it? Paradigm makes a widely respected sub
woofer,
the Servo 15, that is specifically designed to reach to the bottom octave.
You are fortunate that the manufacturer of your mains also makes a quality
sub. This should dramatically reduce the very real sub/mains integration
problems. I recommend that, at a minimum, you get an in home audition of
the Servo 15 with your Studio 100s. I believe the Studio 100/Servo 15
combination will take you to new vistas.

Robert C. Lang