Will a Conrad Johnson fan like Modwright LS 36.5

I heard a CT5 in my system when I owned a Modwright SWL9.0SE.

They did not sound anything alike to me. The Modwright's presentation sounded similar to solid state with some tube smoothness, while the CT5 had a liquidity and midrange bloom (slight...not old style tubey) normally associated with tubes.

Of course, you can't assume the SWL9.0SE sounds like the LS36.5, but one thing I have noticed after owning three Modwright components is that Modwright has a definite house sound that has been consistent across the line in my experience.

FWIW, I had a 9.0SE in my system for a couple of months. I agree w Tvad that it is solid state-like in terms of neutrality and detail, with no tubbiness or looseness in the bass, but I would not consider it agressive or forward at all. Good dynamics. At the time the rest of my system was APL 3910 and Merlin VSM-MMs w superbam and lead-free jumpers/powercord, and the Modwright was a replacement for my VAC Ren which was being repaired. In that context I thought it was a value leader; didn't do anything much wrong and did not color the sound. I have not heard any of the current CJ pre-amps, but if they are polite or laidback or "bloomy" then the Modwright will be different. If the 36.5 is as good as I've heard, a used one would be hard to fault, I would think, esp. if you can't find the CJ you want. I will warn you that sometimes a neutral, revealing component can reveal significant shortcomings in the rest of your system. Not saying that there are any, but IF the polite or laidback character of your pre-amp is compensating for or hiding anything, you may find out what it is. Not that there's anything wrong w that" ;~)

Decisions decisions. I've been lusting for the CJ 16ls for some time. Even though it doesn't have the teflon caps, I've heard nothing but good stuff about it. I'm just now getting the budget for it so maybe one will come along. I'd love to hear the CT-5 but I'm in fly over territory and have no dealers close by.
The PFR has been a stellar performer and was a class A recommended component. I just want to try something new. Funny thing is that my system sounds very good now with few known shortcomings. Its been a work in progress which has been a fun journey. So now I'm going to go and mess with it. Are we audiophools just plain nuts or what?
Anyway, thanks for the input so far

Wait for a cj prem 16 to come up. It is a wonderful pre amp and competitive with anything. I much prefer the sound to the CT5 which is a little hifi sounding in comparison.

BTW, if you want a cj ART1, let me know as I might be selling mine soon as I have recently upgraded to the ART3.

cheers

Downunder, I'd love to have the ART but I think it is probably out of my budget.......................well, unless you are feeling generous and could make me a good deal. I'd promise to give it a good home. (-:

BTW did you mean to say that you liked the CT5 better than the 16?