Like @audiosaurusrex I run a similar combo…Hana Umami Red on a Rega P10, into a Modwright PH150 (Dan’s reference phono), into an Octave V80SE integrated. The 9.0X is really close in performance to the PH150. I just happened to get a great deal on a demo unit. The MW is absolutely stunning. I auditioned it against several phonos in the $8-12k range and it just fit my system perfectly. I’ve played tenor sax for years and it recreates the the timbre, tone, and dynamic response of that instrument (and others) so well. Its dynamic presence too is really stunning. Acoustic instruments and vocals also superb! For me when I listen to my system the balance just sounds right. Dan is a great guy to interact with too, very responsive, he’s humble and not flashy, but knows his gear kicks butt. The Part-Time Audio reviews of the Modwright phono stages are really spot on. You won’t be disappointed with the 9.0X.
WhestTHREE signature phono pre vs. ModWright PH 9.0X
I've mostly got my phono preamp upgrade down to a shortlist shootout choice between the WhestTHREE and the ModWright PH 9.0X. They're pretty much at the same price point (the MW is ~$300 more than the whest, give or take).
What I listen to mostly: Jazz & Jazz Fusion primarily (I do have things from many other genres, but want to tune my system to Jazz since that's 95% of my listening on vinyl).
What I like: wide soundstage, incredible mid-range, detail, some warmth
What I don't like: clinical!
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There are a lot of passionate Whest owners out there all over forums raving about them, but I've also seen people mention that they can be a little on the clinical side.
The modwright has less hands-on info out there that I could find, but the few things I could find review it very highly.
If owners of either could comment on their experience and some objective pros / cons of either, it would be helpful!
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I did have someone recommend the Gold note PH10 to me some time ago, and while it is at a lower price point, I've seen a lot of mixed reviews.
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@mmcgill829 Congrats! Dan makes an incredible phono stage for sure! It will also benefit from an upgraded fuse and aftermarket power cables, and I preferred the unit with Reflektor 6H23 and Amperex PQ 6922 or 7308. |
Super helpful thread, I followed suit in upgrading the Manley Chinook SE to the ModWright Ph9.0XT. I love me a good tube rectified PS and had a stash of NOS 5AU4 and 274b tubes to swap. I think for the extra $500 cost, the tube rectified PS option is a no brained upgrade. I’ve upgraded the 6922 tubes to NOS Tungsram. All the same superlatives as other posts, but noting how much quieter the MW is over my Manley which felt downright noisy in comparison, I am thrilled with the ModWright. And a lot of folks seem to run the Hana Unami so I may have to look at that option too.
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