Modwright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier

There's nearly exhaustive info available on this unit in the archives. I'd suggest buying one used...trying it in your system...and going from there. They are readily available used.

I believe Undertow might have nailed it. The SWL9.0SE is so accurate and neutral that it is much closer in sound to a solid state preamplifier than a tubed preamplifier. Perhaps owners who sell the SWL9.0SE originally decided to take the plunge into tubed electronics with the Modwright preamp and decided it didn't provide as much change as they were hoping, and they subsequently sold their SWL9.0SE as they searched for more of the holographic presentation of a "colored" tubed preamp. Also, perhaps those who liked the accuracy of the Modwright decided that a good solid state preamp would provide the same benefits while removing the need for tube maintenance.

My reason for selling the SWL9.0SE was the former, although it wasn't my first foray into tubed preamps.

Jeffjazz makes a very good point about break-in, and synergy with loudspeakers.

My SWL9.0SE originally had Sonicaps, and I had the power supply caps modified to Blackgates. The Blackgates were clearly superior to the Sonicaps in my system, but they took a whopping 500 hours to break in. The change was obvious once it occurred.

Also, I was using the SWL9.0SE with VS Gen III HSE loudspeakers, which are extremely revealing and unforgiving of components, IMO.

Can someone tell me if this preamp is has a balanced output
Stickychicken (Answers)

The SWL9.0SE does not have a balanced output, however Modwright has a new fully balanced preamp just being released. I do not recall the model number or pricing.