Taylor514,
About 140 hours at this point. Not much more change from the 100 hr. level. It is a very natural sounding amp. I really like it. |
Mcondon,
I previously owned a Modwright Tube modded Oppo BDP-83 blu-ray player. I tried to like it but just couldn't connect. I found it to be a little too soft & uninvolving. I'm not totally sure but I just may be a SS guy. I was considering a Modwright tube pre & SS power but backed out for the fear of the rolled off sound that I believed I was getting with the BDP-83. I didn't try the BDP-83 with different amps or speakers before I sold it. Perhaps, more experimentation may have produced different results. Thank you and others for the responses. |
Jriggy,
I let the modded BDP-83 break in over 300-400 hours. Perhaps "soft" is not the right word. "Laid back" or "relaxed" might be a better description which is good or great for some. I'm trying to find that middle ground where the sound is not hyper-detailed (SS) and too relaxed (tubes). I'm finding it difficult because there are so many factors involved and I am fussy. The KWI-200 sounds very promising. Thanks! |
Digsmithd,
Thanks for your posts. My unit will be arriving Friday. I'm looking forward to hooking it up then burning it in. |
I received my Kwi-200 (brand new) about a week ago and it has close to 100 hours of burn-in. Initial thoughts were similar to Teajay: Grainless texture and warmth, tube like. More thoughts to come, but first... The Kwi-200 is being compared to my current amp, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 s80 Class D integrated amp which is part of the complete Opus 21 system that I own. After considering other int. amps around the same price range of $5000.00, I chose the Modwright to compare the Class D to A/B amp and to see how much difference in refinement there would be between a $2500.00 & $5000.00 int amp. The Kwi-200 is the second most expensive single piece of equipment I've purchased. The first most expensive single piece is the Ayre C-5xemp cd player (almost new) that I just received & hooked up last night. Previously, I was using the Opus 21 CD player with the Kwi-200. So, this price range is new to me. So far, I miss my Resolution Audio system. I know, give the Ayre & Modwright some time. I like the Opus 21 system because it requires one power cord and no IC's. It has a separate power supply which powers the CD player & amp thru umbilicals. Now with the new set up I'm posed with the addition of another power cord (Audience powerchord e or Zu Cable Event connected to Ayre & Voodoo Cable super tesla se connected to Modwright) and interconnects from Ayre to Modwright (Harmonic Tech Magic Link One). Speaker Cable is Cardas Neutral Reference. Speakers are Fritz Speaker Carbon 7 monitors. I'm very conscious about synergy with power cords because IMO too much silver + all solid state components = emphasis on sibilants & too much copper = less detail in overall sound.
All the responses have been fun to read. More of your thoughts are welcomed! |
Digsmithd,
Yes, I do like the Ayre. I've only had it since Thursday so limited listening. I haven't tried any Hi-Rez discs yet but CD listening sounds a little more refined than the Opus 21 player. Clearly more dynamic. |
Wyred,
I still own the Modwright but am listening to a used McIntosh MA6300 Integrated at the moment. Also, I will be auditioning a Luxman 550AX next week. I have not settled on the Integrated I want to keep. I hope to make a decision soon but I want to make sure I've given each one the proper amount of listening time.
That said, The Modwright & McIntosh are both wonderful sounding amps. The Modwright is very neutral sounding and maintains it's composure when the volume is turned up high whereas the McIntosh starts to sound grainy. I listen to a lot of rock. At average listening levels (1-2watts RMS; 4-5watts peak) both sound great and I actually like the somewhat smoother texture of the McIntosh.
I'm looking forward to hooking up the Luxman next week. Included in future auditions will be a new, more expensive interconnect. As for the Modwright, I will be listening to it again with the new interconnect so I can't give you anythting definitive at the moment. |
Wyred,
I don't know. I haven't looked at the footers. Also, by the way, I haven't made a decision on which integrated to keep. Still auditioning. The Class A Luxman 550AX is a fine sounding amp and my second ever experience with a Class A amp in my own listening environment. I want to hear the Luxman 507U and compare to the 550AX. |
Wyred,
I haven't decided yet. I just recently auditioned the Luxman SQ-N10 tube integrated amp. Only 10W per channel at 8 ohms but has plenty of power thru my 87db, 8 ohm speakers. A very nice amp for the price but didn't WOW me enough to settle on it.
Strangely enough on Saturday night my Modwright KWI-200 shut down and couldn't be started up so I have to return it to Dan at Modwright. I believe it's the very sensitive DC output protection built in to the unit. I was really starting to enjoy it. I'm still experimenting with different interconnects, power cords & speaker cable on my Modwright as well as my McIntosh MA-6300 so it will probably be some time until I settle on the integrated I want to keep. I still haven't heard the Luxman 507U but want to sometime although I may have a tough time getting my hands on one. I have the MAC hooked up right now and it sounds great at normal listening levels. Perhaps I will audition an amp out of the blue that will knock me out but for the moment the Modwright IS providing some great listening moments. I wish I could give you a more definitive answer. Keep up with the contact. Thanks! |
Taylor514,
Thank you for letting me know about your issues. It is a concern. Fortunately, I have my MAC integrated which will keep me happy until the Modwright returns. Unfortunately, Dan's in Washington state and I'm in Pennsylvania so, needless to say, a lot of time will pass until the Modwright returns. I haven't spoken to the dealer about my situation but I will hold out until a later date. I'm not technically skilled enough to know why this condition occurs. I wish you good luck with your amp in the future and I hope Dan can figure out the DC issue. |
D,
You may have read my posts from 8/13 & 8/14 where I mentioned returning my KWI-200 to Modwright for repair. I received a new unit 10/19 and it is now burning in. Sounds great new from the box. During it's 2 month absence I was alternating between a McIntosh MA6300 and Bryston B-100 SST integrated amp. My journey is not finished but I will be focusing on the Modwright for the time being. I still want to try out a used Accuphase and a higher priced Luxman (L-507U or higher). |
It's been some time since my last post but I now have about 100 hours on the Modwright KWI200. I believe it has more time to burn in but I thought I would post now. I am very pleased with it's overall sound, in fact at about 100 hours it sounds better than the first unit did with 300 hours. Dan did increase the operating bias so it does sound better and also gets warmer than the first unit.
Compared to the MAC & Bryston, which are similarly priced, it has superior dynamics, soundstage is wider & images are more precise with voices sounding like they are more THERE! Very musical presentation for solid state.
The Bryston is a little smoother (which I like) but the Modwright is more balanced thru out the frequencies; extended bass & highs. Of course, the Modwright has twice the power than the others and it easily powers my 87db bookshelves so relatively inefficient floorstanders shouldn't be an issue.
I highly recommend an audition with the KWI200 or just take a chance and purchase it if you can afford it. Modwright's customer service (Dan himself) is second to none and handled my problem in a fashion where he had to be totally satisfied with the repair before shipping it back to me. Quality control! |
