It's tough to categorically state any particular piece of gear bests most others. This may be true in a given system and to a specific taste, but whether it applies to every system and to every sonic preference is questionable.
The Lamm LL2 Deluxe was preferrable to the Modwright SWL9.0 SE in my system, but I like a less solid state sound, and the Lamm does this extremely well while preserving extension and detail. I found the Modwright to be a bit "steely" and somewhat flatter sounding than the Lamm. The LL2 can be found used for about $2500.
I'm a Modwright fan, and presently own a Modwright Sony 999ES Platinum edition with tube recitifed power supply (with Mullard 5AR4 instead of the supplied Sovtek). |
I have had the ModWright 9.0SE for about 4 months now. I have ATC active speakers and the Densen Beat400XS.My cables are home made pure silver interconnects with Bybee filtration and Eichmann silver bullets.
I have also been in the professional and audiophile industry for over 17 years, so really I have heard a lot of equipment. In my sound mind, I can honestly say that you will find it VERY difficult indeed to find a better pre-amp in the world for the asking new price |
I use Stillpoints with Risers under both Dans pre and his modded 3910 with great results.
Hifi111 |
Has anyone compared this unit to the Juicy Music Peach? |
Dennis:
"just curious why you guys chose the points..."
To my ears the cones simply sounded the best of all the reasonably priced isolation devices I tried. |
why cones/spikes instead of something like a vibrapod? i tried some aurios under mine, didn't hear much of a difference. stuck the aurios under my speakers, and that really tightened up the bass in a positive way.
thinking of maybe trying a different foot under the SWL, just curious why you guys chose the points... |
3 BDR Mark IV cones under my SWL. |
|
What are ModWright owners putting under their SWL? I'm thinking of trying some aurios 1.2s... |
Do the preamp first. It will be money well spent over a new amplifier any day. |
|
Though this is an educated guess, it is still a guess. I think swapping IN the Modwright would be a GREAT idea. |
My current system is a Sony 999ES CD/SACD player; NAD S100 pre; NAD S200 amp; and Gallo Ref3 speakers with Gallo SA on 2nd coil. Also using a REL Storm sub. Fantastic bass! However, with some material this system sounds a bit harsh and fatiguing. I am thinking of replacing the S100 for the SWL 9.0SE. Does anyone think this swap would improve the sound significantly? Does the SWL 9.0SE work well with high-current solid state amps? Or would it be better to keep my S100 and replace the amp? I don't have the money to do both!
Thanks for your thoughts, |
I leave it off. I usually turn all my gear on an hour or two prior to listening. It's fine after a couple of hours of warmup. |
Hmmm, interesting. I was always in the camp that says valves should be left on 24/7 but I was told by Response Audio that leaving it on 24/7 would dramatically shorten valve life as the 5687s run very hot.
I usually have it running for 30 mins or so before I start using it. |
I have been leaving my SWL9.0SE powered on 24/7. |
Hi,
I am wondering if all the SWL9.0SE owner keeping this preamp turned on all the time ? or only turn on before listening. What is the warm up time for maximum musicality ? Also, I am currently using the IRD Purist SS preamp and wondering if there would be a big gain in sonic qty for upgrading to it ?
Many thanks.. |
Sure Grant, you asked for tubes that are tonally warmer than the T-Sols, so here they are, imho, of course.
I have the T-Sol 5687s, and they are very good tubes, but they are bit too edgy and SS-like for my tastes, and I always find myself rolling them out.
The GE JAN 7044s have most of the qualities of the T-Sols, with the addition of a truly wonderful midrange, less graininess. These are very cheap (~$20/pr.) and some consider them the poor man's Bendix 6900s.
The Sylvania GB65687s work very well in the Modwright preamp. They are "tubier" sounding than the T-Sols or the 7044s, and have that nice tube bloom, but I wouldn't call them overly euphonic either. Again, midrange on these is warmer and more to my liking than the T-Sols. There may be a slight (and I mean slight) sacrifice at the bass extreme (tubier bass, perhaps) but to me it is worth it.
Hope this helps...ultimately your preferences and system will dictate what sounds best to you, but both tubes above are worth a listen. The nice thing about the 5687 family of tubes is that they are really good sounding tubes, and relatively cheap in the NOS world (well, except for the 6900s). |
I'm using Sylvania Gold Brand 5687s right now, and GE JAN 7044s work very well too. I already have 7044s on my Modwright 9000es, and found that the 7044s on both was WAY too much of a good thing.
1markr Mark, would you be more specific about tonal characteristics of the Sylvania Gold Brand 5687 and GE Jan 7044. If you've used the TungSol 5687, perhaps you could compare them? BTW, Mark, I have followed your suggestion of starting new thread to discuss this topic. Therefore, you might want to respond in the new thread once it's up on the server. |
Hey Grant, this could be it's own thread.
Anyways, I'm using Sylvania Gold Brand 5687s right now, and GE JAN 7044s work very well too. I already have 7044s on my Modwright 9000es, and found that the 7044s on both was WAY too much of a good thing. |
Has anyone tube rolled with the SWL9.0SE? I wondering if it's possible to warm up the tonal characteristics beyond what the TungSol 5687 tubes provide, without losing the extension. |
|
Phono Preamp is on the list for 2006. I have started work on a design that is intended to integrate well with the 9.0SE as well as other linestage/preamp designs.
Please do check back with us if you are in the market.
Thanks,
Dan w. |
There's no way that I will spend the time to read all the responses on a preamp that I will not be getting(I need a phono stage.), but I do know that Srajan reviewed this preamp, and took into consideration price. Within this context(and what that allows you to spend elsewhere in your system), I believe, it was a rave review. |
Timo,
Not from the midwest but have traveled through there quite a bit. Been to East Troy, Milwaukee and Eau Claire in WI. Always had a brat when I passed through, summertime or not. Great stuff, but my allegience to cheese is strictly CA where I live now. |
Clio09:
Beer and brats are summertime fare. You are right about beer and brats--we got 'em!
Are you from WI or the Midwest? |
Timo,
Cheese and brandy? Whatever happened to beer and brats? |
I am from Wisconsin--the Cheese Capitol of the World or we used to be (maybe CA has passed us up). Anyway, yes we do love our cheese in this state as well as our brandy! |
Thanks Guys, you have certainly confirmed my instincts. I WILL keep the 9.0SE the way it is and build a future product with the rest of the bells and whistles.
I do reserve the right to make subtle circuit changes and improvements to the 9.0SE as time goes on, but nothing will be done to alter the spirit of the 9.0SE.
This does not mean that I will not finish the phono stage design. I do plan to finish it in early '06 and it will be made available both as a built-in upgrade to the 9.0SE and as a standalone product. What I will NOT do however, is make it part of the standard 9.0SE and raise the price.
Now EXTRA CHEESE...THAT will cost extra ;).
Thanks!
Dan Wright |
Damn, I didn't know I could order extra cheese! |
This is an excellent thread with savy people whom I believe to be music lovers first and (audiophiles second or not at all). However, you absolutely must appreciate what Dan has created aesthetically, technically and musically.
I don't think I need to chime in here regarding what TVAD has said and recommended as it is right on the mark in my view as well!
RE: My unit (pun intended). The only thing I don't have on the unit is the Bybee cigars which may come at a later date. However, it would be very hard to part with my 9.0SE even for the few short weeks it would take to perform the upgrade.
Enjoy the music friends and Dan W., please keep your audio and music values and continue to transform them into the musical products that you have already started. |
Dan,
Take your time and grow slowly. Let the marketplace find you. At present you have only just begun to be noticed. If you are building for the masses, you must give the masses time to find you. Only the unusually sharp and alert clientele has approached you at this point. Great as the SWL 9.0SE may be, it remains an unknown to 99% of those who might eventually buy one. Several companies did very well producing a tubed pre-amp and nothing else for years with infrequent, and some might say, insignificant reiterations. CAT and AI spring immediately to mind.
You can't please everyone and it is a fool's errand, indeed, to alter your course with such a goal in mind. We love you the way you are. Those who want different features can buy a different product rather than forcing you to change yours.
Artists must remain comfortable with their art.
So when you build mine put a navy blue faceplate on it with chrome knobs and extra cheese. |
|
as you stated, "The SWL 9.0SE was meant to be a high-quality, high-value product that brought Class 'A' performance to the audiophile at a real-world price. It is not inexpensive, nor could we build it cheaply and have it perform at the level that it does. But, at $2200, it was meant to compete with other products that are 2x - 3x plus its price. I don't want to lose sight of this with upgrades that will necessarily add to the overall cost of the 9.0SE." IMHO the SWL 9.0SE meets all those goals and are the primarly reasons that i purchased the unit. further, i think your last sentence nails it with respect to an appropriate market strategy with this particular product.
this is my first foray into the "higher" end, separates arena. the SWL 9.0SE will serve as the "heart" of my system for the foreseeable future and any upgrade activities i may engage in will involve the other components because i think the pre is good enough to withstand upgrading the other system components within the contrainsts of my current means.
i do not consider myself to be an audiophile and only need a linestage as i do not have the time or inclination required to do vinyl correctly. i love music and the SWL 9.0SE does it right for me. i think there are many others that fall into this category.
on the other hand, i understand the assault on the high end and the actualization of the potential given what you've already realized with your current products. to that extent, i think TVAD's response is well reasoned.
i want to thank you again for taking such good care of me in September.
ray
|
Thanks Tvad, I agree with you RE the constant upgrades and reivisions. I don't want to confuse the marketplace or cause audiophile nervosa either ;).
I believe the best thing is to reserve the special and major design upgrades for the next model.
I appreciate your input.
Dan |
My opinion, is that constantly offering small upgrades and options to the SWL9.0SE, while extremely flexible and convenient is ultimately frustrating because one never knows what version one owns, what is standard, and frankly, it contributes to Audiophilia Nervosa. :)
The series of seemingly endless mini-revisions of the NuForce amplifiers comes immediately to mind.
My suggestion would be to keep the current SWL9.0SE as is, and continue to offer the options of Bybees, Blackgate, and Tung Sol tubes.
I would suggest a stand alone outboard phono section as a separate Modwright product.
I would further suggest a new, upgraded Modwright preamp which would include standard balanced outputs, output transformers, Blackgate cap in the power supply, an outboard power supply, and other goodies you might be considering. Further, even in this unit, I'd suggest leaving Bybees as an option.
One last thought...if the stand alone phono section is problematic and expensive to produce, I would suggest keeping the phono section an optional feature on only the new, upgraded preamp, and I'd make it an on-board section rather than an outboard unit to keep down the cost.
That's my two cents... |
First of all, thank you all for the support and kind words. I am very pleased with the success of our first product - that is actually built by us from the ground up.
I am also pleased to hear that our attention to customer service is acknowledged and appreciated. I can't be all things to all customers, but I simply try to be honest with everyone and treat all of our customers with the same level of respect and service that they deserve.
To answer the question about balanced design options:
The SWL 9.0SE is a single-ended design, i.e. not balanced (not differential). The only way to truly add balanced outputs or inputs to the design (aside from simply adding XLR jacks, wired SE as some mfrs. have done) is to use high-quality line-level transformers.
I have successfully done this on the output of the design, converting the output signal from single-ended to differential (balanced). This has been done as a custom upgrade for a few customers.
I feel the result has been very good, but the high-quality transformers are expensive. The sonic benefits include even better impedance matching between amp and preamp and the ability to run LONG cables due to noise-cancellation and shielding benefits of balanced operation. Additionally, the output transformers that we use also reduce the output level (less overall gain) AND a corresponding reduction in preamp self noise, which is already extremely quiet.
I have considered offering a balanced output option for the 9.0SE. A balanced input is not available now and may not ever be. I am also working on a phono preamp that will be available, built into the SWL 9.0SE, or as a standalone phono preamp. The built-in option for the 9.0SE will include moving the power supply outboard. The advantages to offering an external power supply would include more space inside the unit (phono upgrade, possible future DAC board upgrade), and greater flexibility with an external PS enclosure to build a more sophisticated power supply. The improved supply would benefit the phono stage and linestage equally.
I am also considering building a higher-end unit that would be balanced throughout and feature an outboard power supply.
I am, to be perfectly honest, in a bit of a quandry here:
1) I want to offer options to suit different customers needs and desires. I also want to offer an attractive upgrade path to SWL 9.0SE customers and would of course prefer that they upgrade with ModWright Instruments products.
2) I am leary of alienating our customers, with a series of revisions and upgrades, resulting in the 9.0SE MK I Rev. II, etc.
3) I also want to be able to keep up with production of the standard 9.0SE and maintain a solid level of quality and efficiency in our manufacturing.
I would appreciate your comments and specifically, to answer the question of whether you as ModWright Instruments customers and potential customers want to see upgrade options such as those mentioned above, for the 9.0SE. Or, would you prefer to simply see another product to follow - necessarily at a higher price-point - that features those options.
The SWL 9.0SE was meant to be a high-quality, high-value product that brought Class 'A' performance to the audiophile at a real-world price. It is not inexpensive, nor could we build it cheaply and have it perform at the level that it does. But, at $2200, it was meant to compete with other products that are 2x - 3x plus its price. I don't want to lose sight of this with upgrades that will necessarily add to the overall cost of the 9.0SE.
Thanks and I do welcome your feedback.
Dan Wright
President, ModWright Instruments Inc.
360-247-6688 |
My experience with Dan ,He is just a world class person.
I listen to his preamp on 711 house,its very very
good.One thing, I admire on Dans product,is they are really
musical.Merry Christmas Dan and to all. |
Hello all,
Can Dan build the Modwright SWL 9.0 preamp with BALANCED XLR and single-ended outputs?
My JC-1 monos sound quite a bit better using the balanced inputs.
If so, how much $$$ extra are the balanced outputs?
Does Dan offer any other upgrades as well?
If so, what are they and how much $$$? These are perfect questions to ask Dan. |
Hello all,
Can Dan build the Modwright SWL 9.0 preamp with BALANCED XLR and single-ended outputs?
My JC-1 monos sound quite a bit better using the balanced inputs.
If so, how much $$$ extra are the balanced outputs?
Does Dan offer any other upgrades as well?
If so, what are they and how much $$$?
Thanks guys. |
I recently received my Modwright SWL 9.0SE with bybee filters and Tung Sol tubes in my first foray into the world of tubes.
Dan Wright made the experience a very enjoyable one, offering suggestions and contacts with experiences in systems similar to mine especially with a McCormack DNA 500. There was no pressure to buy his preamp, he always answered the phone on first ring, responded to emails quick and personally. Like a personal tailor, he will listen, offer suggestions and build your preamp to your exact specifications. His vast knowledge at your disposal.
Dan is a master craftsman. The Modwright SWL 9.0SE is a precision crafted and superbly engineered piece of audio gear. The face plate alone is simply gorgeous to look at and simply screams PRECISION CRAFTMANSHIP.
How does it sound? The highs are airy without being hard and with just the right amount of decay. The bass lines? solidly defined and taut. Not boomy. Midrange? You need to experience it!
This is a high resolution/high definition sounding preamp and simply a high value product at its price point. With HT By-Pass folks and a remote!
If you are interested in a preamp, regardless of price, solid state or tube, I highly, repeat highly, recommend an audition or researching of the Modwright SWL 9.0SE preamp. Give Dan a call. He definitely is a joy to talk to on the phone. You don't have anything to lose by calling Dan.
I am a very very satisfied customer. Glad I made the call after reading the reviews on this preamp.
Enjoy the music. |
Three things pushed me over the edge to order this preamp yesterday. Srajan's review, the way Dan Wright conducts himself on the telephone and this thread. Thanks everybody.
And Merry Christmas. |
Let me add my thoughts as well. Having taken delivery of the 9.0SE and now having just under 150 hrs.on it. Cryo'd Tung Sols on board that replaced the JAN Philips 5687's.... I am AMAZED at what an excellent pre amp this is. My system has taken on new life and dynamics. The pre amp exudes quality in its appearance and build. Dans choice of parts including the expensive SoniCaps make the sound nothing short of superb. As more time is logged on the 9.0SE, it continues to bloom sonically...All I can say is..EXCELLENT!
I share in all the excitement of the other owners posted here who are delighted with their ModWright SWL 9.0SE. May I also say, that it is a true pleasure speaking and emailing Dan.This truly is a product to be excited about and a company that truly cares about the sound of its product and the relationship with its customers. Dan... Thank you, and Congratulations to you and your wonderful staff of talented professionals! |
|
I agree. Dan is the best of the best. |
My experience with Dan was exactly the same. No lofty BS about customer service. He simply provides it. |
I agree. Dan is the best of the best. |
Called Dan today...twice...and each time he answered the telephone on the first ring, and proceeded to answer my questions in a thoroughly helpful and professional manner. He responds to e-mails equally as promptly.
How can anyone NOT want to do business with Dan Wright?
He's a class act... |
I use a VH Audio Flavor 2 on mine. I prefer it to the Shunyata Sidewinder Gold and Taipan Alpha and VX PCs I've tried. |
I've had an Audience P/C on it as well as TG SLVR. I prefer the TG but both are excellent |
Bcos17:
I am using a Shunyata Research Anaconda Alpha power cord with excellent results. They are not cheap even used for around $1150, but the results are worth the price IMO. |
Has anyone else had any good results with other power cords? I should be getting my SWL 9.0 SE shipped from Dan sometime this coming week. |
Hi Dan,
Great! Thanks very much for the heads-up. Looking forward indeed to the 9.0SE!! |
Happy to chime in here as well. Mr. Wright is working his magic on a SWL 9.0SE with Bybee Filters and the Tung Sol tubes.
Oh how I am itching to get my greasy paws on it next week. The experience so far talking to Dan has been great. He is a pleasure to deal with.
I ordered mine thru Jay at Audio Revolution. The experience with Jay has been a very good one as well. Highly recommended. |
