AE3

About the AE3

The AE-3 is a compact stereo tube preamplifier produced by Audio Electronic Supply, a division of Cary Audio. It features a single-ended Class A triode design with three RCA inputs and one RCA output. The unit is noted for its excellent build quality, smooth rotary controls, and a remote control that allows muting and volume adjustment. Sonically, the AE-3 delivers a dark sound signature with rich, sweet voices and excellent low-level detail and micro-dynamics, especially at higher volume settings. However, it has a notably flat soundstage with limited depth and somewhat reduced macro-dynamics, which can make the music sound less involving. The bass is full and rich but lacks leading edge impact. The preamplifier is reliable, easy to set up, and favored by analog listeners who appreciate remote control convenience. It typically requires volume control settings above 11 o'clock for optimal detail retrieval due to its high gain.