Yup. And nope, the Aesthetix wasn't one of them.
I believe it comes down to what sound you prefer, Angela. The Modwright is very extended, dynamic and punchy with accurate highs. It's not particularly warm, yet it has just a touch of midrange bloom compared to the First Sound Presence Deluxe II, which is a very neutral tube preamp, in my opinion, and was replaced by the Modwright SWL9.0SE.
From my personal experience hearing a few preamps in my system (VAC Renassaince and CJ CT5), the Modwright is closer to the VAC house sound than the Conrad Johnson house sound. I, too, would be curious to hear the Calypso.
I believe it comes down to what sound you prefer, Angela. The Modwright is very extended, dynamic and punchy with accurate highs. It's not particularly warm, yet it has just a touch of midrange bloom compared to the First Sound Presence Deluxe II, which is a very neutral tube preamp, in my opinion, and was replaced by the Modwright SWL9.0SE.
From my personal experience hearing a few preamps in my system (VAC Renassaince and CJ CT5), the Modwright is closer to the VAC house sound than the Conrad Johnson house sound. I, too, would be curious to hear the Calypso.