Modwright LS 36.5 or BAT VK-51SE

09-30-10: Rtn1
If one cannot tell the difference between 3 entirely different preamps...

That's not what I wrote. I did not say the preamps wouldn't sound different. My comment focused on the degree of difference and whether it would be worth the expense.

Of course, we all perceive sound differently, and what I consider a small difference others could consider jaw dropping.

If the OP wants to experiment, then I agree completely with the advice offered in your first response in the thread.

I think these preamps would have a world of difference between them. All good, all different. In the right system, the best out of the 3 could mean the difference between magic or dull.

Rtn1, your comment about the right system is pertinent, and it's the criteria on which my comment was primarily based.

The OP's electronics are differentially balanced, and they are about as dead nuts neutral as one can get (Esoteric digital source, Pass Labs amps and preamp). Having owned the same amps, and presently owning an Esoteric digital source with which I've used several balanced preamps, I still believe the degree of change will be rather small compared to the expense.

But...it's just my opinion, and buying a used Modwright and a used BAT and trying them would certainly answer any questions for the OP.

FYI, Last time I talked to Paul, he has developed a fully balanced Dude so contact him if interested.

Please consider that the XO.2 has a decent resale value, so moving to either the BAT, MW or Dude won't cost me much out of pocket once the XO.2 is sold.