Modwright 36.5 v McIntosh C2300 preamp

Why is the 36.5 on your list if you prefer a built in phono stage?Why not the 9.0SE(see link below).Just curious.Good luck in your search.

http://modwright.com/products/4

ditto...and i would stick with Modwright to complement your KWA150, , especially if you won't have a chance to audition the C2300 in your system. There is likely to be synergy there that may or may not be presetn with the C2300.

I have at one time had both of these in my system. While they are both excellent products I strongly prefer the sound of the Modwright LS 36.5 vs. the McIntosh C2300. Don't get me wrong cosmetically the McIntosh is beautiful and has a strong feature set with a nice built-in phono stage. The McIntosh is a very good sounding piece, but it tends to make everything sound very smooth and similiar. The Modwright on the other hand is very neutral, but better resolves all types of music with a nice dynamic and open presentation. Each product will provide a quality experience, but in my opinion the Modwright is more resolving and does not add its own flavor to the signal.
I have also listened to the LS 36.5 with the Modwright KWA-150 and there is of course a nice synergy between the two.

I agree about the synergy b/t Modwright amplifiers and preamps. I've had both the above mentioned in my system and they were both very good individually, but put together, they became excellent. Very complimentary.

Bhume said...
"The McIntosh is a very good sounding piece, but it tends to make everything sound very smooth and similiar."

I would be interested in knowing the amp you were using at the time you made this observation..Just as there must be a "synergy" beteen Nodwright products when used together, i would suggest the same for McIntosh. Try listening to the C2300 with the C2000 amp,or any other McIntosh amp,for that matter and I guarantee you'll hear no "similarity",as you put, (what ever that means.)