Definitely consider the ModWright LS36.5 DM. I have a recent LS36.5 and couldn't be happier. After some tube upgrades; Synergetic Black fuse, WyWires PC and Daedalus DiD's I'm not in such a hurry to send it in for the DM power supply upgrade. It's a great preamp. I moved from a SWL 9.0 SE and that is a fine preamp but it's not as refined as the 36.5... really not even close. Really enjoyed my 9.0; it had great PRAT. The 36.5 has the PRAT too but it is so much more open it doesn't stand out as much. I'll eventually send my 36.5 in to become a DM because I'm sure it is a nice improvement. Dan's a great guy to work with.
Preamp... Solid State or Tube
I am looking for 2-ch preamp that must have HT bypass option to mate with my existing HT processor.
My budget is 10K for this upgrade. Couple of preamps comes to mind but I have no experience with these components.
Ayre KX-5 Twenty
Aesthetix Calypso
My system consist of following components,
Speakers - B&W 800D2
Source - Aurender N10, Modwright Elyse DAC, Raysonic CD-128
Amps - Modwright KWA150SE (Pair of them being used in bridge mode)
Processor - Krell 707
Cables - Verastarr Grand Illusion Statement and Signature series
Any recommendations will be highly appreciated.
My budget is 10K for this upgrade. Couple of preamps comes to mind but I have no experience with these components.
Ayre KX-5 Twenty
Aesthetix Calypso
My system consist of following components,
Speakers - B&W 800D2
Source - Aurender N10, Modwright Elyse DAC, Raysonic CD-128
Amps - Modwright KWA150SE (Pair of them being used in bridge mode)
Processor - Krell 707
Cables - Verastarr Grand Illusion Statement and Signature series
Any recommendations will be highly appreciated.
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- 44 posts total
The Modwright preamp should mate well with your Modwright amps, and they do have the required HT bypass option. I would lean towards the LS100 over the LS36.5 because I like the 6SN7 tube better than the 6H30, but obviously your tastes might vary. http://www.modwright.com/products/ls-100-tube-preamp.php I'd also recommend a VAC Renaissance Mk III as a second option. It also has the HT Bypass mode and sounds incredible. http://www.vac-amps.com/productPages/RenaissanceMk_III.html |
How about this: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-pass-labs-xp-30-preamplifier-2016-03-08-preamplifiers-... You'll probably get it cheaper & spend the savings on a loved one...!! |
No doubt the Modwright LS-100 should be a top consideration, with the 150SE amp. As I understand, the difference between the LS-100 and the 36.5 is the latter is a bit more refined sound and the former has more warmer tube sound. So it is becomes a matter of taste to which one fits your needs. I have the MW 150SE and the LS-100 in my system and am very satisfied with its sound. |
@adg101, can you elaborate on your experience with DiD's? I have been on fence to try isolation devices with my DAC or CD player. All of my equipment are housed in a customized component rack that is preloaded with damping materials to create a high mass, low resonance core. http://coreaudiodesigns.com/products/component-racks/ Back to preamp, I am looking for fully balanced circuitry from input to output. Both LS-100 and 36.5 are nice preamps but they are single ended design. Until Dan comes out with a fully balanced Linestage, I would like to explore what else is out there. I can see why it would make sense to go with MW linestage since I already own MW's amp and DAC. IMO, balanced circuitry yields much better overall sound. Thank you all for your feedback. |
- 44 posts total