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

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REVIEW: ModWright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier (Tube)

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

Review by classfolkphile ( A ) on August 10, 2005 at 20:42:30
IP Address: 24.46.56.56
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for the SWL 9.0SE


I've had the Modwright SWL 9.0SE (with Blackgate and Bybee upgrades - $2700 list) for several months now. I previously had a CJ PV14S2 which the SWL outclasses in every way. I also had a CJ Act 2 on loan for a couple of weeks last month.
The Modwright is a hybrid linestage using 5687 tubes for the output stage. It is an incredibly transparent, resolving, and dynamic unit with great soundstaging.
The SWL is extremely quiet allowing inner lines to be brought forward: music that was previously mostly buried in the background is now clearly audible. Frequency response is superb: it conveys tight, focused bass to clear, airy highs. There is no smearing: cymbals sound like cymbals, not like white noise. There is also no graininess, glare or harshness even on complex orchestral passages. Leading edge transients are startling in their focus, quickness and impact, as are large scale dynamics which sound effortless as well. Small scale dynamics are very good. The SWL is a neutral preamp. It does not sound soft or “tubey” although it does have a very three dimensional soundstage. It also has Naim like “PRAT.” On strongly rhythmic music (like the McGarrigles’ “Love Over and Over”) it is impossible for me to keep my feet from tapping.
Comparison with the Act 2 was illuminating (it would also be very interesting to hear an Act 2, or the forthcoming CAT 5, with Bybee filters). The 9.0 has wider, more effortless large scale dynamics which are closer to reality if very slightly overplayed. It is also more forward and has more rhythmic drive. The CJ is a bit soft and recessed in relation to the former.
Both units have very low noise floors which allow them to bring out every inner detail. The CJ’s individual images are more three dimensional however, resulting in better integration of the inner lines with the rest of the soundstage (and better micro dynamics). This three dimensionality stems from the phenomenal harmonic complexity/richness of the unit which creates a tonal realism that makes CDs sound like an analog medium. It reminds me of reel to reel tape, actually, as there is that “continuousness” to the music that one hears from tape. The harmonic richness of the CJ also gives it a liquidity that makes the Modwright seem a touch dry.
Most of the above differences are small however. That the SWL 9.0SE can reasonably be compared to the Act 2 bespeaks an amazing accomplishment on Dan Wright’s part. Now how about an “LE” Dan? Perhaps with four 5687s?

Some of the music I used as a reference include: Greg Brown – “Further In”; Eva Cassidy – “Live at Blues Alley”; Kate and Anna McGarrigle – “Love Over and Over”; Charles Lloyd - "Lift Every Voice"; Alban Berg Qt. - Mozart: String Qts.; Fiedler, Boston Pops, Wild, - Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue; Bohm, Vienna Phil. - Bruckner: Sym. 4; Tragicomedia - Bach: Anna Magdalena Notebook; and Bruno Canino - Bach: Goldberg Variations.


Product Weakness: None at the price. Compared to the best, a bit more harmonic complexity/liquidity would be needed.
Product Strengths: Low noise, high resolution, great clarity/transparency and dynamics. Fantastic value.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Conrad Johnson MV60SE (60wpc)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Modwright SWL 9.0SE, CJ ACT 2
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modwright Platinum Sig. Truth Sony 999ES, Lector CDP 7T
Speakers: Aural Acoustics Model B
Cables/Interconnects: Cable Co. ICs (XLO Sig. seconds), Shunyata Python Alpha and Copperhead, VH Audio Airsine and Flavor 2 PCs, Shunyata Gemini Spkr. Cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections): See Above
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 11 x 7.5
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: Several months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata Hydra 8, Symposium Super and Svelte Platforms on a Salamander Synergy Rack, Symposium Ultra Platforms under Spkrs.
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: ModWright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier (Tube) - classfolkphile 20:42:30 08/10/05 ( 6)