Modwright vs Dodd results are in.
( For independent opinions go to Audio Circle and see 2008 mini Rave thread. )
System used at the Rave:
RWA Sig.30 amp - T-amp 30wpc
Dodd preamp
Modwright preamp
Portable cdp - Sony and some Sony DVD player.
Cables - plain Monster IC and bran X .
Butler hybrid amp - I think it was 2550 , 250wpc .
Speakers - AAD 2001 monitors.
Dodd with RWA won for the best tone and musicality as long as the amps were not pushed to the point of cliping. Replacing RWA with Butler gave the system more control and eliminated the stress that RWA amp had when pushed too hard. Better authority, punch and limitless power. However, if quality/musicality/tone is on top of your list and you listen to music at average levels , RWA won in that department.
Dodd and two sets of tubes. First set, Mulards NOS. The secend set Amperex 7308 German made with red label.
It was clear and agreed on by all that Mullards were superior to Amperex 7308s. Mullards better Apx. at every department and most of all middle range and especialy vocals. Great tube.
Amperex were soul-less, dry and SS-ish.......Those were not white label PQs but some said it would not change the sound that much......that I don't know.
Dodd vs Modwright
Well, IMO Modwright is a very good preamp that is very detailed, transparent, fast with very little coloration.
I would go as far as to say that it almost sounds like the SS preamp. Its middle range is its weakest point IMO. Vocals were overpowered by crisp hights and dominated bass. It seemed like the vocals were pushed back at least few feet. Also there is the problem that I am very sensetive to - edgy, hard, crisp hights. I don't see myself buying Modwright for that reason alone. Secend, backgrounds with Dodd were so much cleaner, fluid and easily heard.Very subtle inner information, ambient noise, acoustic space were all there with scary clarity. Not so with Modwright - too chaotic if you must ask.....very difficult to concetrat and just imposible to loose yourself in music at the times. And last but not least , middle range is where Dodd just crashed Modwright. IMO , Dodd was a clear winner. Modwright held its own and I would recommended to someone that wants to try tube preamp but fears over tubeee sound and lost of resolution.
Dodd is for music lovers with a bit warm, liquid character. But it was the Mullards and not the Dodd that we were listening to. With Amx the magic was lost. I think my tube of choice is Mullard as long as someone can recommend something better.
Dodd rules!!!!! at least in my book.
Cheers
Mariusz
