ModWright Phono

Fantastic phono stage! I have the SWLP which has the exact same phono stage. Really improves with time opening up the soundstage. The caps take a long time to break in. Very natural presentation. No hard edges whatsoever. Really brings out the best in analog. It's simply the best I've ever heard with no weakness that I can find.

Hi Jamnperry
What other phono stages did you compare it with before coming to a decision to buy? Also which cartridge are you using? Thanks.

The only phono stage that I can say I directly compared it to was the Whest 2.0 which I owned. That was in itself a really good phono that received rave reviews compared to the usual standard bearers like the Manley. The Whest had an incredibly wide soundstage and revealed low level textures exceptionally well. At first, by comparison, the Modwright seemed more narrow width and not quite as deep in the soundstage. But the instruments and vocals were more organic and natural. It was also more dynamic and low level detail was at least equal to the Whest. Gradually, as I suppose the caps broke in, the stage deepened, though not quite as wide as the Whest.
The cartridge I used in the comparison was the Shelter 501 on a Scoutmaster on steroids with every upgrade imaginable.
While I wish I could have drug home the reference phono stages to compare directly, I had to draw a line somewhere budget wise, my moment of clarity in this insane hobby before I start jacking 7-11's.