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

Hi Simon, what is it that you don't like with Bent Silver TVC?

I started with AR Ref 5SE, then went to Bent Audio copper slagleformer, then eventually upgraded to Bent Audio silver slagleformer (fully balanced). If you have 10k load, Ref 5SE is not recommended.  I have 15k load which caused low and high freq roll off with the Ref 5SE.

The silver slagleformer preamp is an exceptional preamp. I suggest you reconsider the need to upgrade.

Anwar,

I have used Bent TVC's in my system since 2004 and I guess curiosity has got the better of me after so long. I want to live with a top end valve pre for a few months and see if I am missing out on anything. After I started this thread I stumbled across a long thread started by a friend back in Australia who also runs active ADAM's. He has tested quite a few top pres including Octave, Audio Note, Lindemann and quite a few others. Thread is here if interested:

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/61774-valve-preamp-recommendations-please/

He wants a 5SE after hearing it in his system numerous times,he has found it to be the best of the lot and works wonderfully with the ADAM's. I have found 2 reviews of the 5SE where its measured output impedance is less than spec at 330/450 se/bal so that gets the impedance ration to >20x fwiw. His experience and the conversations we have had since have led me to buying an ARC Ref Anniversary today so I will soon find out for myself.

Either the ARC proves a winner or the Bent continues its reign well into the second decade :)

Cheers,
Simon

Simon,

I believe your Bent TVC is the one using S&B TX-102 transformers. Mine is the recent model using autoformers built by Dave Slagle. They are different and I don't have any experience with the TX-102 version.

Anyway, congrats on your purchase but please wait for at least 600 hours (teflon capacitors break-in period) before any making comparison.