I own the Modwright 9.0x. I switch between rca out and xlr. There is a definite difference but that difference is subjective as to which one you like more. I prefer the xlr output for its bigger soundstage and a touch more apparent resolution. The rca still sounds great but has a slightly warmer and full bodied sound. Some music genres sound better via rca and some via xlr. Overall though, I slightly prefer the xlr output.
Change tubes to nos 6922/7308 Philips sq, miniwatt or Valvo. Siemens, Bel/India (Philips) and Amperex JAN USA also sound great. Mine 9.0x started out as a 9.0 before I upgraded it. As good a the 9.0 was, the 9.0X is that much better. (Slam and resolution)
3k Phono preamp upgrade options (JC3+, XP-17, etc)
Hi everyone,
I’m looking to upgrade my phono preamp in my sytem and am fairly decided on going the solid state route. The two options I’m most interested in are the Parasound JC3+ and Pass XP-17. I’m curious if anyone has compared these two together, and can describe how these units differ. Here is my system:
Lyra Delos (0.6 mv) -> (new phono here) -> Hegel h120 -> Dynaudio Heritage Specials.
I’m sure both phono preamps are great units, but I’m looking for something that will pair nicely with my Dynaudios. The Hegel is here for now, but I see myself upgrading it eventually, so compatability in that regard isn’t as important.
If you think there is a tube option that will work well with my sytem (Sadly Herron isn't in production, so that's a no go) feel free to recommend, but I’m mostly interested in SS for now.
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@riskymilk There was another thread on rolling the PH9.0’s tubes that started just earlier this week: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/modwright-ph-9-0x-tube-rolling-question As far as tube stages go, I have compared Modwright phono stages against Herron’s, the Allnic H1201, PS Audio Stellar Phono, Pass Xono, and Rogue Ares Magnum, and the Modwrights I owned all easily surpassed them. Yes, I started a hifi business recently but have no relationship with Dan Wright outside of once being a customer of much of his equipment. |
riskymilk posed a good question: Is the Modwright 9.0X a truly balanced device, or does it merely offer XLR inputs? And I might add, does it also offer XLR outputs? If yes, that would be a clue that it is balanced inside. Otherwise, one is just comparing the "sound" of an RCA interface to that of an XLR. OK, I just went to the Modwright website. Apparently the 9.0X uses transformer coupling of its output, which permits it to drive a downstream linestage in balanced mode. However, it handles the signal from the cartridge in single-ended mode only, it seems. Hence it bears only RCA input jacks, no XLRs. |
@hifi59 Great to hear the differences between the 9.0 and 9.0X. Does Modwright have any upgrade policy for upgrading an existing 9.0 to a 9.0X? |
@riskymilk Modwright just upgraded my 9.0 to the 9.0X. They are running a sale on the upgrade. If interested, contact Kristin at Modwright. |
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