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Modwright PH 9.0X Compared to a Pass Labs XP-15

I currently own the XP-15 and I have been considering moving to a 
tube phono preamp. The PH 9.0X has piqued my interest. I am 
wondering if anyone has heard these two preamps and can describe
the differences in presentation. I am not asking which is "better", just
wondering what changes I could expect if I put the Modwright in my system.

The Pass is a fine phono preamp, but with a SS integrated, I think a
tube phono would be a good move. I like the fact that the with the PH 9.0X
the controls are accessible from the front. The dip switches on the Pass
are somewhat inconvenient to reach.

The rest of my analog system is: Luxman L505uXII, Technics SL 1200G,
Hana SL, Shure V15 V-MR with Jico SAS, AT33 Mono and Harbeth SHL5 Plus
speakers.

 

 

ericsch
jpan
131 posts
 

I've gone from an Xono, to the Herron VPTPH-2A, then for a very short time to the XP-15 before settling on the Pass XP-17. In my system, which is all Pass with a Spiral Groove front end and My Sonic cart, it is super duper nice.

I liked the Herron but it wasn't in any way better than the XP-17. It wasn't really close. In. My. System.

However, if I had a Herron pre and or those awesome mono blocks, it may be a different story.

 

 

 

hifi59's avatar
hifi59
51 posts
 

I had my ph9.0 upgraded to the 9.0x. The 9.0 was excellent, especially with the right nos tube (Valvo or Philips miniwatt) and subjectively equal to my previous Parasound JC 3+ ss phono pre. The 9.0 X took it up quite a bit (bass authority and soundstage depth) and I can’t imagine it getting any better that this. Fantastic phono pre and every bit as quiet as the Parasound was, 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

You are better off with the Pass. If you have the itch you would get far more milage

with a new cartridge like a Lyra Delos. Just ask rauliruegas. I think he will tell you pretty much the same thing

dover
2,250 posts
 

If you are considering the Modwright, have a look wt the Zesto Andros - its very musical, bit more free and open sounding than the Modwright. I have heard it hold its own against much more expensive phonos in the same system.

ericsch OP
753 posts
 

I actually purchased a used Zesto Andros PS2.

I am having an issue with excessive noise

with the volume at just 10:00 o'clock.

Am using the stock JJ tubes. I'm going

to connect it to my secondary system

to see if the noise persists.

Could be a cabling issue, bad tube or

defective unit. 

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