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Will a Conrad Johnson fan like Modwright LS 36.5

I am looking to buy a tube preamp. I was pretty much set on the CJ 16LS or the 17LS2. There hasn't been one for sale in a few months which has caused me to consider other brands. This has brought me to the Modwright LS36.5 preamp. Reviews seem to indicate this to be a good preamp. I like what I've read. However one question which arises is concerning the sound stage. CJ has always been considered "polite" which in my understanding means the SS is pushed back somewhat with "tame" dynamics which come across as smooth rather than ragged or raw. That is the sound i like and I've found the CJ to be very enjoyable.
One thing I do not like is a very forward SS which is agressive with a ragged edge. I have not seen the Modwright described this way but I would like to hear from others who are familiar with the Modwright. Will the SS be a lot more forward than the CJ? Will a CJ fan also enjoy the Modwright?
128x128artemus_5
mtdking
157 posts
 
CJ preamps with the Teflon caps in them very very good. I'm not a huge fan in there preamps that don't have the Teflon caps. If you can move up into the CT5 then I will say there's no contest but even with the two you mentioned I would still go with CJ.
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swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
FWIW, I had a 9.0SE in my system for a couple of months. I agree w Tvad that it is solid state-like in terms of neutrality and detail, with no tubbiness or looseness in the bass, but I would not consider it agressive or forward at all. Good dynamics. At the time the rest of my system was APL 3910 and Merlin VSM-MMs w superbam and lead-free jumpers/powercord, and the Modwright was a replacement for my VAC Ren which was being repaired. In that context I thought it was a value leader; didn't do anything much wrong and did not color the sound. I have not heard any of the current CJ pre-amps, but if they are polite or laidback or "bloomy" then the Modwright will be different. If the 36.5 is as good as I've heard, a used one would be hard to fault, I would think, esp. if you can't find the CJ you want. I will warn you that sometimes a neutral, revealing component can reveal significant shortcomings in the rest of your system. Not saying that there are any, but IF the polite or laidback character of your pre-amp is compensating for or hiding anything, you may find out what it is. Not that there's anything wrong w that" ;~)
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,965 posts
 
Decisions decisions. I've been lusting for the CJ 16ls for some time. Even though it doesn't have the teflon caps, I've heard nothing but good stuff about it. I'm just now getting the budget for it so maybe one will come along. I'd love to hear the CT-5 but I'm in fly over territory and have no dealers close by.
The PFR has been a stellar performer and was a class A recommended component. I just want to try something new. Funny thing is that my system sounds very good now with few known shortcomings. Its been a work in progress which has been a fun journey. So now I'm going to go and mess with it. Are we audiophools just plain nuts or what?
Anyway, thanks for the input so far
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Wait for a cj prem 16 to come up. It is a wonderful pre amp and competitive with anything. I much prefer the sound to the CT5 which is a little hifi sounding in comparison.

BTW, if you want a cj ART1, let me know as I might be selling mine soon as I have recently upgraded to the ART3.

cheers
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