Shazam.. I'm running it through my Modwright SWLP preamp. I may try it direct, but it would have to be quite a bit better to go through the hassle of switching since I'm spinning vinyl. But for the sake of the hobby, once it's broken in, I'll try it that way and let you know. That would sure simplify things if you only have one source.
Kck.. I totally understand your perspective. It wasn't an easy decision for me either even though I was familiar with Modwright's philosophy. My first foray was a simple parts upgrade on the XA777ES. I was very happy with that but stopped short of the full tube stage. Then when he came out with his first preamp, I was able to borrow it from a local dealer and audition it, comparing it to my Audible Illusions Modulas 3A, which I immediately bought. While I was confident I'd get a quality product again from them, this time it was more about salvaging a collection of music I'd built up for years. It just had lost appeal compared to vinyl.Budget wise, I came out about even after selling a few other things I wasn't using enough. Time will tell how much of my listening shifts back to the digital spectrum. At this point, overwhelming positive reaction.
While I agree in principal that what works for one won't necessarily work for another, quality issues are quantifiable. Meaning, I can say confidently that a Daiwoo/Sharp/Panasonic/whatever piece of crap will not be better or equal to the Modwright for anyone. It's not a matter of taste or system dependent components. While the stock Transporter is a quality product, it just can't compete in a qualitative sense. There's no area that I'd prefer the stock over the modded. It's not a simple tonal shift, or just more detail,etc, with other compromises. More like an overhaul. Personally, I put sources (CDP's, turntables) in a different category than cables, amps, speakers, tweaks, etc. You can say with some degree of confidence what will work. It's what follows that shape the sound, what's 'not limited to: budget, tastes, room, gear, WAF, hearing acuity, type of music preferred, type of presentation preferred, and so on' in our personal environments, as you said. I know it sounds dogmatic and opinionated. I really don't mean to be. I have bought things that really didn't work for me, and I don't presume my amps or speakers will work for everyone.. I know they won't and I hesitate to add them into the equation.
Anyway.. really good points, Kck.
Kck.. I totally understand your perspective. It wasn't an easy decision for me either even though I was familiar with Modwright's philosophy. My first foray was a simple parts upgrade on the XA777ES. I was very happy with that but stopped short of the full tube stage. Then when he came out with his first preamp, I was able to borrow it from a local dealer and audition it, comparing it to my Audible Illusions Modulas 3A, which I immediately bought. While I was confident I'd get a quality product again from them, this time it was more about salvaging a collection of music I'd built up for years. It just had lost appeal compared to vinyl.Budget wise, I came out about even after selling a few other things I wasn't using enough. Time will tell how much of my listening shifts back to the digital spectrum. At this point, overwhelming positive reaction.
While I agree in principal that what works for one won't necessarily work for another, quality issues are quantifiable. Meaning, I can say confidently that a Daiwoo/Sharp/Panasonic/whatever piece of crap will not be better or equal to the Modwright for anyone. It's not a matter of taste or system dependent components. While the stock Transporter is a quality product, it just can't compete in a qualitative sense. There's no area that I'd prefer the stock over the modded. It's not a simple tonal shift, or just more detail,etc, with other compromises. More like an overhaul. Personally, I put sources (CDP's, turntables) in a different category than cables, amps, speakers, tweaks, etc. You can say with some degree of confidence what will work. It's what follows that shape the sound, what's 'not limited to: budget, tastes, room, gear, WAF, hearing acuity, type of music preferred, type of presentation preferred, and so on' in our personal environments, as you said. I know it sounds dogmatic and opinionated. I really don't mean to be. I have bought things that really didn't work for me, and I don't presume my amps or speakers will work for everyone.. I know they won't and I hesitate to add them into the equation.
Anyway.. really good points, Kck.