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Modwright SWL 9.0SE Pre ... your thoughts welcome

Hey, I have decided to dive into tubes ... well, you get my meaning. I was steered towards the Modwright SWL 9.0SE and so far have read some good things. I'm running a Levinson ML-27 for power and Paradigm S-4's for speakers. My transport is nothing special, Denon DVD-2200 but I am also looking at running a tubed DAC in hopes of bringing the system a little more alive. Right now the system seems a little flat ... not very exciting. Plenty of volume bass end it fantastic but the mid and upper end seem very packaged. Imaging is not very good ... High and mid frequencies don’t seem to blend well. Some CD's have fair to good sound but most seem pretty "plain". Just doesn’t have that delicacy I'm looking for. I seem to listen the SPEAKERS and not the music. I recently listened to an older set of Paradigms pushed by a small tubed integrated and I was amazed. The tubed gear really made the Paradigm speakers come to life ... I was set back in my chair. Vocals were clear and crisp … the sound was extremely detailed and I had to be drug out of the room. Since then I have really started to pick a part my system.

Cables are Signalcable Silver Resolution Balanced and Cobalt Ultimate speaker cables. I'm running Signal cable "Magic" power cables. Nothing fancy but it should do the job.

Is this upgrade going to help? Has anyone experienced this?

Any better preamps in the $1500-2000 range? What about Levinson SS preamps?

Help me out … Please
horseface
kehut's avatar
kehut
667 posts
 
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!
macrojack
1,292 posts
 
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.
ije
27 posts
 
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.
daltonlanny
297 posts
 
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.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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.
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