RWA amp with DODD preamp both battery powered

Mrjstark, I have some Amperex 7308 white label PQ's cooking in my Dodd right now and they are fantastic. Smooth as a baby's bottom without any hint of glare that I can detect. In an already warm system I could see how how the PQ's could be perceived as slightly laid back or too much of a good thing if you will, but they are perfect in my set up. Very natural sounding to my ears. I only have a few hours on them now and my Dodd is still not fully broken in, but I believe the PQ's may be THE tube for this pre. I will be interested in your comparison.

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

can anyone suggest a moderately priced amp to match with the dodd preamp. have quad 22L speakers listen to mostly acoustic music with occasional rock and jazz. the 22L"s need moderate power from my experience with them> also would the red wine 30.2 int be a good match for them?

Panu21,

This article mentions the 30.2 with the Quad 57s:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10411968/1/a-stereo-amp-that-packs-a-punch.html?puc=newshome

Not sure if your 22L's are harder to drive, but I doubt it because the 57s are supposedly the most challenging load.

The beauty of the RWA 30.2 is the 30-day home trial so all you have to lose is shipping and if you end up like me, you have LOTS to gain with the 30.2. It is amazing and I can't wait to get the Isabella battery tubed preamp for mine!!!

Good luck with your search,

Nate

Concidering the Quads 89db sensitivity you should be fine with RWA int. I saw one up for sale with extra inputs at very good price. I am not familiar with 22Ls but heard their monitors. If they sound alike and your preferance is tone, inner detail, stark black backgrounds and musicality .......I would say yes. For around 1K used it is hard to beat.
Good luck
( I could help if in NY area )

Mariusz