Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: ModWright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier (Tube) by JerryH

Model:	SWL 9.0SE
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1899
Description:	tube linestage
Manufacturer URL:	ModWright
Manufacturer URL:	ModWright

Review by JerryH ( A ) on February 12, 2005 at 17:07:43
IP Address: 24.21.206.198

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Before getting into the specifics of this extrordinary linestage, I am compelled to describe my audiophile pedigree and how I arrived at this preamp. NAD, Adcom, Audible Illusions and most recently Conrad Johnson 17LS have all had their turns. Quite honestly, I was very satisfied with the CJ 17LS, which totally outclassed the AI Modulas 3A that preceded it. That glow and warmth, sweet highs and exceptional midrange were bequiling. But then, when the opportunity to borrow the Modwright SWL 9.0SE presented itself, coupled with my chronic condition of audiophile nervousa, I was powerless to resist. I have a lot of respect for Dan Wright, having had my XA777ES modified by him. When I heard of his preamp, I put it on my short list to audition if possible. I was not expecting it to replace the 17LS.
My initial reaction was of the chrystal clarity and nuances revealed. Having worked in studios and recorded my own vocals, I was immediately struck by how much this preamp sounded as if I was in the studio, wearing the headphones and singing. Every swallow, quiver,and breath of air was revealed. The dynamics were so much more lifelike. Across the board, from top end extension to subtle creaks and buzzes of the stand up bass, every instrument revealing it's character and the person behind it. I've never felt quite as close to the recording session as this. The soundstage was more forward than the polite 17LS, and much more dynamic. I was shocked to hear so much more in the music than the 17LS could reveal. But could I live with it? The CJ was so liquid and silky, and fatique was never a problem like my previous AI Modulas 3A. I've owned the preamp a couple of weeks now and have not felt any urge to turn it off during long sessions.
My only complaints are insubstantial to the performance. The motorized Alps attenuator doesn't offer the degree of volume control via the remote that I was used to with the CJ. You really can't fine tune volume with the remote and must turn knob the old fashioned way. I'm in contact with Dan who's more than accomodating to change the attenuator to a Dact or Goldpoint, which I hope to do soon and forego remote control. The remote itself is a functional but cheap All For One type. I'm sure Dan has his limitations and is cost conscious. Aside from that, the Fit and Finish is very nice quality.
This preamp has changed my perspective. I now side with the philosophy that the design of the perfect preamp should perform with as little interference and coloration as possible. While I don't have the resources to compare other great designs, it's hard to imagine it getting much better than this.

Product Weakness: Remote control not as finely tunable as I'd hoped.
Product Strengths: Chrystal clarity, dynamics, soundstage presentation

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McCormack DNA 1 RevA Gold
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Modwright 9.0SE, Conrad Johnson 17LS
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony XA777ES VPI Scoutmaster
Speakers:	Vandersteen 3A
Cables/Interconnects:	Wireworld
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz, rock ,chinese..everything
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 25 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY Bass traps
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Remote control not as finely tunable as I'd hoped.
Product Strengths:	Chrystal clarity, dynamics, soundstage presentation