@goose +1. Darlington Labs MP-7 is amazing. I used to own a JC-3 and Chinook and I would never pay that kind of money again having heard this phono pre. I like it so much that I have ordered their new head amp, the SU-7.
114 responses Add your response
“Some great choices here. I'm thinking about the Modwright PH9.0x. Does anyone have any experience with this one in relation to the others mentioned? I do own one of Dan's modded SACD players and love it.” I have thePH9.0x upgraded from the PH9.0. The 9.0 is a great phono pre and about the equivalent to the Parasound JC3+ that I previously owned. The 9.0X really took it up a good notch! Huge soundstage, resolution and bass authority. With Philips 6922 SQ tubes (or Bel/India equivalents at a cheaper price), I can’t imagine anything near its price point sounding better. It’s that good! I’ve tried nos Mullards, various Amperex, GE and several others, but the Bel/I did was the most accurate and musical. |
Thanks I appreciate that, many outstanding choices which is great for system matching. I think I’m very close to pulling the trigger on the Modwright. Looking at the Musical Surroundings, Bryston BP2 also the Icon. The dealer I’m working with will take my SPL Phonos on trade towards the PH9.0x so I think that may be the way I go. |
@audiosaurusrex Ask your dealer about Sutherland - see what he thinks. |
So after a couple weeks with the 20/20 I can say its taken my vinyl enjoyment up a notch. Ironically its made my system sound more holographic than adding tubes.
I wish Sutherland made a linestage, I'd be in for that. I cancelled the order on the other preamp and am content with this. Perhaps at some point in the future I'll add the LPS. |
This is a really cool thread because it delivers so many options. Obviously a lot of happy campers out there and companies making equipment people respond to. Me, my EAR Phono Classic arrived today to finally move out a very old friend, the first edition of the Acoustic Signature Tango. All the years I got out of that thing (a Needle Doctor purchase, no less) for $600, it was an absolute steaI. I have never, ever seen one for sale on the used market, and mine is destined some day for a second system. |
I have had my Einstein Turntable's Choice XLR for years and beat out many (BAT VK-P10SE, Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 SE, ASR Phono Exclusive, etc). It's above your budget, but RCA version which is 90% of the XLR performance could be within reach in second hand market. Another one to consider is also German, Restek Miniria+, this one has no visibility in US but can be bought direct from German retailer. It's way below your price range, I heard it in an ultra high end system and it was as good as Einstein or Tom Evan's best effort. I am getting one for my second system. |
“I just ordered the 9.0X . I also have a pair of Siemens E188CC/7308 gold pins coming. Curious, Did you upgrade the PC or Fuse. I don’t see anything listed about fuse value or if it’s even worth doing.” I did not not change fuse, but I did change power cables that feed the PS along with the power cable that feed the phono preamp from the PS. Both made for a larger soundstage. The PS fuse is a 3A slow blo if I recall. I also tried Siemens 6922 1960s NOS tubes in it. They are my second favorite, but the Bel/India (Philips SQ) was better overall. Something about there tonality that kept me going back to them. Amperex JAN USA 6922 were my third favorites and had the deepest, most slamming bass but are a touch in your face sounding compared to Siemens and Philips, both of which have great bass but not so in your face sounding. They also have a bit more decay that I liked. Herbies RX rings towards the upper half of the tubes also works wonders, but they don’t absolutely need them. System dependent. |