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Opinions on Audio Research Ref 5SE vs. Modwright 36.5DM

I am interested in both of these pre’s as a possible replacement to a BENT silver TVC running into active ADAM speakers. These two pre’s seem like two natural contenders despite the price difference but I cannot find much discussion on the net from users who have heard or owned both and can offer an informed opinion on the relative merits of each.

 

Has anybody on the ‘gon had the good fortune to compare these two and able to offer an opinion? Any issues with impedance matching etc?

 

Thanks all,

Mondie (Simon)


mondie
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,928 posts
 
mondie  " ... I am still trying to understand whether I have a good impedance match between either of these amps and my active speakers (10k ohms)."


ARC says the Ref 5SE should see a minimum load of 20K ohms.
facten
2,869 posts
 
mondie - why not send Dan Wright an email later next week (believe he is at the audio show in Chicago this weekend) contact info is on the Modwright website and ask him directly. Dan is easy to speak with and doesn't give you any BS. (just a happy customer)

Although I don't have this particular MW preamp I do have the LS100 and will echo adg101's comments about swapping in NOS rectifier, and in my case either NOS 6SN7s or Black Treasure CV181s. Wonderful equipment
triode12's avatar
triode12
25 posts
 
The ARC Ref 5SE will have better resale value over the MW unit. You could recoup your money if you decided that it wasn't for you and then buy the MW unit.
mondie OP
43 posts
 
I think the 5SE is off my contender list as the input impedance match is bad. Dan has posted on these pages in the past that his 36.5's output is transformer coupled so good for loads down to 10k and below so I am comfortable with that.

Guess I need get a home demo organised. Anything else that is in the price range and capabilities of these two I should also be considering?

Cheers,
Simon
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I think the 5SE is off my contender list as the input impedance match is bad. Dan has posted on these pages in the past that his 36.5's output is transformer coupled so good for loads down to 10k and below so I am comfortable with that.

I don't believe 36.5 is transformer coupled.   The only MW transformer coupled offerings are Elsye Dac and Sony HAP-Z1ES.

Checkout VAC SigMKIIa SE and above or Atmasphere MP-1 if looking for transformer coupled preamps.
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