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" ;~)
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?
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?
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- 10 posts total
- 10 posts total