Modwright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier

I own the SWL 9.0SE (one of the first production units). I'm a big Dan Wright fan, also owning his Modwright 3910 Signature universal player, and previously the modded out 999ES Platinum Signature. His work is genius and relatively inexpensive. In the world of $2k preamps his is a marvel. The tube "sound" is there, but only in that it is a very analog (not overly warm, just perfect) crystal clear picture window into any recording you put through it. Soundstage and detail are state of the art. Tube rolling is somewhat an option, but I've learned to stick with the Tung Sols or Jan Phillips that Dan espouses. I tried Hal-O hi-heat tube dampers for awhile but frankly like the pre without them. The newest BlackSands Violet PC sounds incredible with it. The SWL has a remote volume control, and has an HT bypass (I'm proud to say I pushed that feature and Dan complied) that proves invaluable in my home theater and 2 channels setup, keeping the signal paths separate. The only thing I wish it had was a phase switch (it inverts phase normally). Dan's work is incredible, and his customer support and willingness to go the extra mile are the main reasons I will always have a "Modwright wins all ties" attitude. Next up, his production release of his phono stage, available both stand-alone or internal to the preamp.

Ted_B

Hi,

I am currently using the Modwright SW9SE. This preamp is amazingly good. All the good things that most people talked about are true. I thoughtI had a very very good preamp before and is difficult to find something under $2K can come near it, until I decide to give it a try with one of my friend leaving the country and forced to see it. As soon as I plug it in to my system, depth and sound stage go at least 5 - 8 feet deeper and wider. Bass is tighter and with the tube 3D magic without scarifying the detail. I guess most of the people who sell them are due the upgrade bug. For me, I am soon selling my unit as I am moving to a fully balanced setup. If SW9SE has the XLR output option, I will certainly keeping the SW9SE for sure. I sattled with a pair of RCA 5687 Bronze plate tubes. I like it better than TungSoL as it provides better bass but would not loosing detail. Getting a used SW9SE is definately a deal and will be a major improvement for in your system.

I believe the unit is not Traditionally what would be Tube sounding is all, but its a very solid real sounding unit. Kinda like BAT or Audio research stuff, they don't have that Halo of tube flavor around them.. So I would guess they fall between somewhere and people want the more forgiving, or warmer sounding units. But then again they use Solen fast caps in the pre which sound a bit narrow or compressed compared to some of the better caps that let Tubes breath.

I agree with Tedmbrady. The sound has an analogue feel to it, it makes me think I am listening to my vinyl when I have a CD on. I have compared it to a CJ Pv-11 and a Rogue 99 Magnum. The Rogue and the CJ are warmer. The CJ is really a little too warm and syrupy, but very extended on top actually brighter than the Modwright and rolled off on the bottom. The Rogue did better on bottom, but it was too soft (but extended) on the highs. The Rogue has the biggest sound of the 3 - almost too big, and it seemed to expand dynamics, everything was a little larger than life. I wanted a warm sounding preamp so I tried the Modwright. Now this sounds like a Mama bear Papa bear story - the Modwright is just right in my system, BUT it took a month and a half to sound right. It sounded solid state to me at first. Maybe others have sold their units before allowing everything to break in. I was nearly about to sell mine until one day I turned it on and everthing sounded right. It was a painful break in period. I am mating it up with a Pass labs X-150 which is not a warm sounding amp and I like the combo. YMMV. BTW most of the caps in it are Sonicaps which are some of the best most transparent dynamic caps on the market.